205 Board Member Liability

BOARD MEMBER LIABILITY

Board members shall not be held personally liable for actions taken in the performance of their duties and responsibilities vested in them by the laws of Iowa and the members of the school district community.  In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office, Board members shall act in good faith.

The school district shall defend, save harmless and indemnify board members against tort claims or demands, whether groundless or otherwise, arising  out of an alleged act or omission occurring within the scope of their official duties, unless the act constitutes a willful or wanton act or omission. The school district, however, cannot save harmless or indemnify board members for punitive damages.

Legal Reference:       
Wood v. Strickland, 420 U.S. 308 (1975).

42 U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985 (2012).
Iowa Code ch. 670 (2013).

Cross Reference:      
709 Insurance Program

Adopted: 8.28.1989
Revised/Reviewed: 11.18.2019

Reviewed 02.21.2022