1.05a Distribution of Information by Outside Organizations and Individuals

1. Distribution of Written Materials and Information from Outside Organizations and Individuals

The intent of this policy is to prohibit or minimize the exploitation of students and staff to promote for monetary gain any business or private enterprise.

Students

The District does not permit the distribution of written information, flyers, and similarly printed materials directly to students from organizations (whether for-profit or non- profit) and individuals, through a backpack flyer program or otherwise during the school day.

The District cooperates with approved community partners by posting e-flyers online and distributing them electronically through a service provider. This electronic distribution method of school flyer delivery acts in place of all paper distribution of flyers.

The distribution of all flyers from outside organizations is to be approved by the Director of Communications. Individuals wishing to distribute materials are required to create an account with the online flyer company and submit the flyer through the online platform. The District will approve or disapprove the submitted flyer and an email will be sent from the online flyer company to the requestor with the result.

No materials will be distributed that contain religious or political content and/or advertising overtones which may be beneficial to any particular group or business at the expense of others. It should be understood that some advertising and sales, when in connection with school related activities, can be beneficial to the District and its students. Therefore, advertising and book sales may be permitted in the District if they are directly related to approved school clubs or related activities that benefit District students. Such activities may include but not be limited to, school newspapers, yearbooks, athletic clubs/camps, and scouting activities. All school-sponsored fundraising projects will be considered permissible.

Generally, for-profit organizations will not be allowed to distribute materials to students. Exceptions will be made for those organizations working in cooperation with school groups in the organization and promotion of approved fundraisers directly benefiting Owasso Public Schools or a student group. Fundraisers must be approved by the site principal or designee.

Staff

On occasion, for-profit organizations and businesses may wish to distribute flyers to staff members. The Director of Communications will approve these materials if the content is of direct benefit or cost saving to employees. Such benefits include, but not limited to, educator discounts, special sales for classroom supplies, and professional development opportunities.

2. Announcements during the School Day to Students from Outside Organizations and Individuals

The District does not permit announcements from outside organizations and individuals during the school day. This prohibition shall not apply to the following:

1. Announcements related to PTO meetings and PTO sponsored functions;
2. Announcements related to District sponsored student organization meetings and functions;
3. District sponsored programs/activities approved by the Superintendent; and
4. Cancellation intercom announcements for any student groups (District sponsored or non-sponsored) meeting at a school site before or after school hours provided the cancellation request is timely received by the site principal.

3. Distribution of Written Materials by Students

Nothing within this policy limits or prohibits the Distribution of Written Materials by Students as otherwise provided in Board Policy 5.07.

4. Signs Placed on the Exterior Grounds of Schools

Except for announcements on signage approved by the site principal related to (1) PTO meetings and PTO sponsored functions, (2) District sponsored student organization meetings and functions, and (3) District sponsored student programs/activities approved by the Superintendent, no signs related to outside organizations and individuals will be permitted to be placed on the exterior grounds of the schools in the District.

5. Informational Tables at Open House Events

At scheduled Open House Events where parents visit the school site and meet with teachers, only the following organizations will be permitted to set up information tables: (1) District recognized Parent-Teacher Organizations, and (2) District sponsored student organizations.

6. Definitions

As used in this Policy:

1. “District sponsored student organizations” means those student organizations in grades Pre-K through 12th whose membership is solely of students enrolled at the District, meets for common goals, objectives or purposes, and that are under the sole direction and control of the District.
2. “District sponsored student programs/activities approved by the Superintendent” means those programs/activities by District sponsored student groups in grades Pre-K through 12th that are approved by the Superintendent or designee and for which all monies generated are subject to deposit in the District’s general fund or an applicable student activity fund.
3. “Written material” includes, but is not limited to, leaflets, magazines, books, brochures, flyers, petitions, newspapers, buttons, badges, or other insignia.
4. "Outside organizations” means any non-profit or tax-exempt organization other than school-related organizations.