Complete policy statements are available at the District office as well as on our District Website. 

District Notifications

Educational Rights of Homeless Children and Youths - Parent and Guardian Notice

  1. Homeless students are eligible to attend Lanesboro Public Schools.

  2. No homeless student is required to attend a separate school for homeless students.

  3. Homeless students shall be provided comparable services including transportation, educational, and meals.

  4. Homeless students should not be stigmatized by school personnel.

  5. The District Liaison for homeless children is Elementary Principal James Semmen. Mr. Semmen can be reached at (507)467-2229 or jamessemmen@lanesboroschools.com. The State Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths can be reached at (651)582-8579 or MDE.HomelessEd@state.mn.us

Postsecondary Enrollment Opportunities

Up-to-date information on the District’s postsecondary enrollment opportunities can be found on the District webpage under Schools - High School - PSEO.

Request for Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications

Parents may request (and the District will provide) information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teacher(s) and/or paraprofessional(s) providing services to the student.

District Financial Information

District Financial Information can be found on the District website under Our District - School Board Information - District Financial Information.

School Wellness Policy

The District Wellness Policy can be found on the District website under Our District - School Board Information - Board Policies - Section 500. Lanesboro School District falls within 90% to 100% in all categories.

Indoor Air Quality

Lanesboro Public Schools has an indoor air quality management plan. The management plan outlines specific policies and procedures that will be used in district to address indoor air quality issues. Several staff members were involved in the development of the district indoor air quality management plan. The district health and safety committee reviews the plan annually.

If you have any questions concerning indoor air quality, or would like to use the EPA tools for Schools checklists, please contact the district indoor air quality coordinator Matt Schultz, Superintendent, 100 Kirkwood St. East, Lanesboro, MN 55949, 507-467-2229

Asbestos Plan and Actions

During the past school year and continuing into the next school year the following asbestos management plan activities have been or are currently being completed. These activities are pursuant to the Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 763- “Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools; Final Rule and Notice.”

  • One Semi-Annual Periodic Surveillance Inspection

  • One 3rd Year Inspection

  • Notification of Asbestos Locations for Short-Term Workers (Electricians, Plumbers, etc.)

  • Training of District Personnel

Lanesboro Public Schools has contracted through the Southeast Service Cooperative with the Institute for Environmental Assessment to provide environmental consulting services. The complete updated Asbestos Management Plan for Lanesboro Public Schools can be found in the main office. The Management Plan can be viewed, without cost or restriction, during normal working hours. Copies can be obtained for a fee of $.10 per page. Any questions concerning this notice or an explanation of our Asbestos Management Plan can be directed to Matt Schultz, Superintendent, at (507)467-2229 or Dan Fitch, Institute for Environmental Assessment at (507)281-6680.

Lead in School Drinking Water Notification

Lanesboro Public Schools has contracted through the Southeast Service Cooperative with the Institute for Environmental Assessment to provide environmental consulting services. The complete updated Lead in School Drinking Water Notification for Lanesboro Public Schools can be found in the main office. The Plan can be viewed, without cost or restriction, during normal working hours. Copies can be obtained for a fee of $.10 per page. Any questions concerning this notice or an explanation of our Lead in School Drinking Water Notification can be directed to Matt Schultz, Superintendent, at (507)467-2229 or Dan Fitch, Institute for Environmental Assessment at (507)281-6680.

Pesticide Application

All Minnesota schools are required to inform parents/guardians and school employees that they may request to be notified prior to pesticide application on school property. Pesticides include chemicals which are used to control insects, weeds, rodents or other pests as defined by the law (M.S. 123B.575, Subd.9).

In order to provide the required information, schools must maintain a list of parent/guardians and school employees who request notification. Schools must also provide information about individual pesticide applications upon request, including the name of the pesticide product, and the time and location of the planned application. An estimated schedule of pesticide application is available for review or copying at the school office.

Pesticide and non-chemical treatments may be used in combination in and around schools for a variety of reasons, including the control of pests which have the potential to bite, sting, spread disease, cause asthma, within the school building or to the school building itself, or to control pests or weeds that are seen as a nuisance.

The long-term health effects on children from the application of such pesticides or the class of chemicals to which they belong may not be fully understood. Children may be more susceptible to pesticides than adults due to their smaller size and rapid growth and development. Also their playful behavior may expose them to more pesticide residue.

To limit the potential pesticide exposure, this school follows safety regulations to ensure pesticides are applied properly. All pesticides products, which are used in and around school buildings, are required to be registered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, school employees and certified and licensed applicators are required by state and federal law to comply with all requirements of the pesticide label, including building sites, application rates, re-entry intervals, posting, use of personal protective equipment, use restrictions, and disposal on the product label.

To be notified about pesticide applications, please contact Jim Schott, Head Maintenance, at (507)467-2229.

Federal Nondiscrimination Notice

It is the policy of the Board of Education of District No. 229 to comply with federal and state law prohibiting discrimination and all requirements imposed by or pursuant to regulations issued thereto to the end that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, age, family care leave status, or veteran status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or in employment, or recruitment, consideration, or selection; therefore, whether full-time or part-time under any education program of activity operated by the district for which it receives federal financial assistance.

Any student or employee of ISD 229 who feels that they have been discriminated against in violation of the District’s policy shall avail themselves of the District grievance procedure. To begin this process contact James Semmen, Elementary Principal, Lanesboro Schools, 100 Kirkwood St E, Lanesboro, MN or (507)467-2229.

It is the policy of the Board of Education of District No. 229 to comply with federal and state law requiring they provide equal access to public school facilities to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.

Student Surveys

Independent School District No. 229 gives notice to parents of students currently in attendance in the school district, eligible students currently in attendance in the school district, and students currently in attendance in the school district of their rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical examinations. Policy 520F has this full notification and can be found on the District website at Our District - School Board Information - Policies - 500.

Data Privacy

The Board of Education will disclose to the press, media, and others authorized by the school personally identifiable data designated as directory information. The parent of a student or an eligible student may refuse to be personally identified in any or all of the information categories. Such refusal must be made in writing to the student’s principal within 15 days after notice is given.

Parent Right to Inspect Educational Records

Parents of students currently in attendance, or eligible students currently under attendance have a right to (1) inspect and review education records; (2) seek amendment of education records; (3) consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information in the students’ education records; and (4) file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The procedure for exercising these rights is to make a request in writing to the Building Principal of the child’s school - Middle/High School Principal Brett Clarke or Elementary Principal James Semmen, both at 100 Kirkwood St E, Lanesboro, MN 55949. Records may be disclosed to school officials that have a legitimate educational interest.

Parent Right to Refuse Military Recruiter Access to Student Information

Parents and students have the right to refuse release of data to military recruiting officers. A secondary school student or the parent of the student may submit a written request that the student’s name, address, and telephone listing not be released without prior written parental consent. This request should be made to Brett Clarke, Middle/High School Principal, Lanesboro Public Schools, 100 Kirkwood St E, Lanesboro, MN 55949.

Accident and Property Insurance

District 229 does not provide accident insurance for injuries that happen to students at school or during school activities, nor does the district provide insurance protection for student property that is lost, stolen, or damaged at school or at school activities. Families that wish to have accident or property protection are encouraged to contact an insurance company.

Students Transported in Vehicles Other Than Those Provided by the District

District 229 provides transportation to students as required by state law and such additional transportation as budgets and staffing permit. It is the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility (or the responsibility of the adult student age 18 or older) to provide transportation to and from academic, extracurricular, or cocurricular events and activities when transportation is not otherwise provided by the District. Parents/guardians may permit their students to transport themselves to/from academic, extracurricular, or cocurricular activities with the approval of school staff, but may be required to sign a release of liability and should enforce safe driving expectations with their students. The district does not supervise students who drive between sites or to and from extracurricular cocurricular events and activities and is not liable for accidents or injuries that occur.

Student Data Privacy and Technology Notice

The District utilizes curriculum, testing, or assessment technology provider with access to educational data. To access the document listing all technology curriculum, testing, or assessment technology providers with access to educational data, please visit our website at Our District - Welcome - District Notifications. For specific information about online resources used in a student’s classroom, contact the student’s teacher.

Students are expected to follow the guidelines listed in the District’s Acceptable use of Information Technology. Use of the internet and other computer networks is a privilege which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. In addition to the district’s standard responses for student behavior, any network misuse or illegal activities may result in temporary or permanent cancellation of network privileges, contact with the student’ parent or guardian and, if a violation of law has occurred, contact with law enforcement authorities. School officials may access or monitor student use of digital tools for purposes of instruction, technical support, exam proctoring or as otherwise authorized by law. Students who are permitted to bring their own electronic devices to school will comply with school-specific guidelines for the use of personal electronic devices in school.

In accordance with federal law, the district attempts to block internet access to visual depictions that are obscene or harmful to minors. However, it is still possible that students may encounter material that parents and guardians consider inappropriate. Parents and guardians may contact their student’s teacher to discuss any concerns they may have about their student’s access to the internet.

Cell Phones and Personal Devices

Students who bring cell phones or other personal electronic devices to school with them do so at their own risk. District 229 assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a phone or electronic device brought to school and will not assume responsibility for investigating loss or theft of such items. If brought to school, phones/devices should generally be kept out of sight, preferably locked in a locker. District staff may take away cell phones and other personal electronic devices from students who misuse them or have them out when they should be put away. In some cases, students may also lose the privilege of bringing a cell phone or other personal electronic device to school. Parents are asked to limit calling/texting their children during the school day as that can be disruptive. Students and families should review their individual school’s and teachers’ cell phone and personal device expectations.

Right to Elect Against Saying the Pledge of Allegiance

Anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so and students must respect another person’s right to make that choice.

Student Interviews with Social Services and Law Enforcement Officials

In Cases Involving Child Abuse or Neglect

Each local social services and law enforcement agency has specific statutory authority to interview at school, without parent/guardian consent, the alleged victim and any other minors who currently reside with or who have resided with the alleged perpetrator. When a local social services or law enforcement agency determines that an interview should take place on school property, written notification must be received by school officials before the interview.

Interviews with students during school hours by county social services officials must follow these guidelines:

  • Investigating officers must remain in the administration office;

  • The educational program of th estudent must not be disrupted by calling them out of class or making them miss class, unless such an interruption is unavoidable;

  • The interview must be conducted in a private room or area where confidentiality can be maintained;

  • The local social services or law enforcement agency shall determine the people who may attend the interview, and

  • District personnel should take no action in the investigative process.

School officials may not disclose to the child’s parent, legal custodian or guardian the contents of the interview notification or any other related information regarding the interview until notified in writing by the local social services or law enforcement agency that the investigation or assessment has been concluded.

In Cases Other Than Those Involving Child Abuse or Neglect

Other than in connection with an investigation into alleged child abuse, as described above, the administration will grant permission to social service officials to interview students only when the interview is to be held in a closed room away from the view of students and adults, and when prior permission has been received from the student’s parent or guardian for the interview.

Other than connection with an investigation into alleged child abuse, the administration will grant permission to law enforcement officials to interview a student regarding their alleged behavior or the alleged behavior of others on school ground and/or during the school day only when the interview is to be held in a closed room away from the view of student and adults. In such a situation, the school administrator or law enforcement official shall attempt to inform the student’s parent or guardian about the interview the same day it occurs.

Law enforcement officials will be allowed to interview students in school regarding their alleged behavior or the alleged behavior of others outside of the school day only when the interview is to be held in a closed room away from the view of students and adults, and when the law enforcement official receives prior permission from the student’s parent or guardian to conduct the interview.

Standardized Tests Calendar, Information on Assessments, and Procedure for Opting Out of State Testing

This information can be found on the District webpage under Our District - Welcome.

School District Annual Report Card/Minnesota Report Card

To access the school district annual report card, please access the following links:

District: https://rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/orgId--10229000000__groupType--district__p--3

Elementary: https://rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/orgId--10229010000__p--3

Secondary: https://rc.education.mn.gov/#mySchool/orgId--10229020000__p--3 

Safe School Standards

By Minnesota Law whoever possesses, stores, or keeps a dangerous weapon as defined in Section 609302, Subdivision 6, on school property is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to a payment of a fine of not more than $5,000 or both. School property means a public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school building and its ground (parking lots, athletic fields, etc.) whether leased or owned by the school. It also means the area within a school bus when that bus is being used to transport one or more elementary, middle, or secondary students.

Violence Prevention and Weapons Policy

It is the policy of ISD 229 to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from threats or harmful influence of any person(s) or group(s), which exhibit and promote violence and disruptive behaviors. The board is committed to promoting healthy human relationships and learning environments that are physically and psychologically safe. It further believes that students are the first priority, and that no physical or emotional harm is to come to them during school activities, on school grounds, buses, or field trips. It shall be a violation of this policy for any pupil or staff member to possess a firearm or a dangerous weapon when in the school building, on school grounds, or at a school related activity. It shall be the policy of ISD 229 to refer to Law Enforcement any person who brings a firearm to school in violation of the “Gun-Free School Act of 1994”. The Board and administration shall publicize and inform staff and students annually of policies and procedures related to violence prevention and weapons. The District shall act immediately to investigate all acts or complaints of disciplinary action against any pupil or staff member who is found to have violated this policy. The Superintendent will expel, for 365 days, any student who brings a firearm to school. The superintendent may modify such expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

Employment Background Checks

Policy 404 can be found on the District Website under Board Policies. This policy outlines the employees, volunteers, and other personnel that are required to complete a background check prior to their employment with the District.