Computers are a powerful and valuable education and research tool and, as such, are an important part of the instructional program. In addition, the school district depends upon computers as an integral part of administering and managing the schools’ resources, including the compilation of data and recordkeeping for personnel, students, finances, supplies and materials. This policy outlines the board’s expectations in regard to these different aspects of the school district’s computer resources. Employees and board members must conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt from or disrupt the educational process and failure to do so will result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Board members may lose access to laptop computers and other technology owned by the district.
General Provisions
The superintendent, working with appropriate staff, shall establish regulations governing the use and security of the school district’s computer resources. The school district will make every reasonable effort to maintain the security of the system. All users of the school district’s computer resources, including students, staff, board members, and volunteers, shall comply with this policy and regulation, as well as others impacting the use of school equipment and facilities. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, as well as suspension and/or revocation of computer access privileges.
Usage of the school district’s computer resources is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility. All information on the school district’s computer system is considered a public record. Whether there is an exception to keep some narrow, specific content within the information confidential is determined on a case by case basis. Therefore, users of the school district’s computer network must not expect, nor does the school district guarantee, privacy for e-mail or use of the school district’s computer network including websites visited. The school district reserves the right to access and view any material stored on school district equipment or any material used in conjunction with the school district’s computer network.
The superintendent, working with the appropriate staff, shall establish procedures governing management of computer records in order to exercise appropriate control over computer records, including financial, personnel and student information. The procedures will address:
- passwords,
- system administration
- separation of duties
- remote access
- data back-up (including archiving of email)
- record retention
- disaster recovery plans
Social Networking or Other External Websites
For purposes of this policy any website, other than the school district website or school district sanctioned websites, are considered external websites. Employees and board members shall not post confidential or proprietary information, including photographic images, about the school district, its employees, students, agents or others on any external website without consent of the superintendent. The employee and board member shall adhere to all applicable privacy and confidentiality policies adopted by the school district when on external websites. Employees and board members shall not use the school district logos, images, iconography, etc., on external websites. Employees, board members, students, and volunteers need to realize that the Internet is not a closed system and anything posted on an external site may be viewed by others all over the world. Employees, students, board members, and volunteers who don’t want school administrators to know their personal information should refrain from exposing it on the Internet. [Employees should not connect with students via external websites without consent of the superintendent.] Employees who would like to start a social media site for school district sanctioned activities should contact the superintendent.
