On October 25, 1995, Chad was reported chewing tobacco in class; during the spring of 1996, Chad was arrested and charged with possesion of alcohol; and on September 27, 1996, Chad was observed chewing tobacco. Both the high school principal and athletic-activities director were new at the beginning of the 1996-1997 school year. They did not know of Chad's prior violations and treated the third violation as a first. It was later discovered that this was not Chad's first violation and Mr. and Ms. Chyma was sent a letter stating Chad would be ineligible to take part in activities at the high school for one calendar year.

On December 9, 1996, the full Board affirmed this decision. The issue in this appeal was whether the District Board's action in upholding the discipline imposed by the administration was a reasonable exercise of its authority. Districts have the authority to promulgate rules for the governance of pupils. In general, school discipline policies address student conduct occurring on school grounds during the school day. This is because the school's regulation of school conduct must bear some reasonable relationship to the educational environment. However, Districts may also reach out-of-school conduct by student athletes and those involved in extracurricular activities.

Because of their leadership role, their conduct directly affects the good order and welfare of the school. BUNGER, 197, N.W. 2d 555, 564 (Iowa 1972).

In summary, the actions of the school authorities and the District were reasonable exercise of their authority. They followed the Code of Conduct, including the due process requirements in disciplining Chad for his violations of the Code.

That the decision of the Board of Directors of the South Tama Community School District, made on December 9, 1996, was affirmed.