The school board recognizes that guest speakers with demonstrated expertise in areas of interest to the school district and its students may enrich the students’ educational experiences. The school district has adopted this policy to ensure that the messages provided by outside speakers do not conflict with school district policies, the fundamental values of a public school education, or the legal limitations placed on public school districts. Individuals who wish to invite a guest speaker must follow the procedures outlined below.

Classroom or School-Sponsored Activity Guest Speakers. Teachers or activity sponsors who desire to invite a guest speaker to address his or her class or activity members must:

1. Research the guest speaker, have a clear understanding of the guest speaker’s purpose and message, and determine that the speaker’s message complies with the school district’s policies and fundamental values.

2. Complete a Guest Speaker Request Form and submit it to the building principal at least 7 school days prior to the proposed appearance.

3. Notify the main office of name, time, and date of the guest speaker’s appearance (if the request is approved).

4. Notify parents of the name, time, date, and topic and summary of the presentation at least 3 school days before the presentation (if the request is approved).

5. Require the guest speaker to submit a copy of any visual or written materials to the employee at least 24 hours prior to any presentation. The employee shall submit the materials to the principal upon receipt.

6. Prepare students in advance for the experience.

7. Inform the guest speaker that students or employees may ask challenging questions or offer differing viewpoints.

8. Terminate the presentation if the speaker fails to limit his or her remarks to the subject on which he or she has been invited to speak.

9. Remain with the speaker and students to facilitate and monitor the discussion.

10. Provide appropriate follow-up activities and education.

Assembly Speakers. Employees who desire to invite a guest speaker to address staff or students at an assembly must follow the identical procedures outlined above. In addition, the employee must submit the Guest Speaker Request Form to the superintendent at least 7 school days prior to the proposed appearance and the speaker submitted materials upon receipt.

Request Consideration. The administrator(s) must research the guest speaker and determine that the speaker’s message complies with the school district’s policies and fundamental values. If it does not comply, the administrator will reject the request. If it does comply, the administrator shall then consider the following factors when approving or denying the request:

1. The guest speaker’s ability to appropriately and adequately address the topic with the students based upon the speaker’s education, training, expertise, or other qualifications.

2. The materials submitted by the guest speaker.

3. The educational value to students of the presentation.

4. The relevance of the presentation to the class, activity, or school’s educational mission.

5. Whether the topic of the presentation is appropriate for the students’ ages and level of maturity.

6. Whether the speaker has a history of providing factual information in a fair and balanced manner or if he or she has previously advocated for a particular position or espoused personal opinion, bias, or partisanship.

7. Whether the speaker’s proposed presentation is consistent with the fundamental values of a public school education and/or encourages the fundamental values, habits, or manners of civility.

8. Whether the speaker’s proposed presentation will satisfy the Nebraska Department of Education’s accreditation, curriculum, or standards requirements or recommendations.

The administrator shall notify the employee of his or her decision.

Controversial Issues. If the employee or administrator determine that the guest speaker’s topic or presentation is partisan or controversial but will still be of benefit to the students, (1) the employee and administrator will work with the guest speaker to develop a plan that will allow the issue to be presented in an objective and unbiased manner and/or the employee and administrator will develop a plan that will allow opposing viewpoints to be presented. The employee will notify students and their parents at least 3 school days in advance of the nature of the presentation. If a student does not wish to attend a controversial presentation, the employee will either excuse the student from attending or provide an alternative assignment.

Other Requirements. The inviting employee or appropriate administrator may interrupt or stop the presentation if it violates this or any other school policy.

Adopted on: 07/20/2020

Revised on: _________________________

Reviewed on: ________________________