Code No. 401.13R1

STAFF TECHNOLOGY USE/SOCIAL NETWORKING REGULATION

General

The following rules and regulations govern the use of the school district's network system, employee access to the Internet, and management of digital records:

• Employees will be issued a school district email account. Passwords should be changed periodically. The district may implement two-factor authentication for Google accounts, the Student Information System (SIS) and our platforms with secure information.

• Each individual in whose name an access account is issued is responsible at all times for its proper use.

• Employees are expected to review their email throughout the school day and reply as the circumstances allow.

• Communications with parents and/or students must be made on a school district computer, unless in the case of an emergency. Employees may access the Internet for education-related and/or work-related activities.

• Employees shall refrain from using technology resources for personal use, including access to social networking sites.

• The school district’s technology resources are the property of the district and subject to inspection or search at any time. Employees do not have any expectation of privacy in the use of the school district’s technology resources, including its computer devices and network, or any content therein

• Use of technology resources in ways that violate the acceptable use and conduct regulation, outlined below, will be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.

• Use of the school district’s network is a privilege, not a right.  Inappropriate use may result in the suspension or revocation of that privilege.

• Off-site access to the school district network will be determined by the superintendent in conjunction with appropriate personnel. 

• All network users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. This includes being polite and using only appropriate language. Abusive language, vulgarities and swear words are all inappropriate.

• Network users identifying a security problem on the school district's network must notify appropriate staff. Any network user identified as a security risk or having a history of violations of school district computer use guidelines may be denied access to the school district's network.

• Employees should be mindful of their conduct, both on and off the worksite.  This applies to material posted with personal devices and on personal websites and/or social media accounts.  Posted messages or pictures which adversely affect an employee’s ability to effectively perform job duties for the district may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.  Employee communications with students via social media should be limited as appropriate and consistent with professional obligations.  If there is any uncertainty, employees should consult their building administrator.

STAFF TECHNOLOGY USE/SOCIAL NETWORKING REGULATION 

Prohibited Activity and Uses

    The following is a list of prohibited activities for all employees concerning use of the school district's network. Any violation of these prohibitions may result in discipline, up to and including discharge, or other appropriate penalty, including suspension or revocation of a user's access to the network.

• Using the network for commercial activity, including advertising, or personal gain.

• Infringing on any copyrights or other intellectual property rights, including copying, installing, receiving, transmitting or making available any copyrighted software on the school district network. See Policy 605.7, Use of Information Resources for more information.

• Using the network to receive, transmit or make available to others obscene, or sexually explicit material

• Using the network to receive, transmit or make available to others messages that are racist, sexist, and abusive or harassing to others.

• Use of another’s account or password.

• Attempting to read, delete, copy or modify the electronic mail (e-mail) of other system users.

• Forging or attempting to forge e-mail messages.

• Engaging in vandalism. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy school district equipment or materials, data of another user of the school district’s network or of any of the entities or other networks that are connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, creating and/or placing a virus on the network.

• Using the network to send anonymous messages or files.

• Revealing the personal address, telephone number or other personal information of oneself or another person without permission.

• Intentionally disrupting network traffic or crashing the network and connected systems.

• Installing personal software or using personal technology on the school district’s devices and/or network without the permission of the Technology Director.

• Using the network in a fashion inconsistent with directions from teachers and other staff and generally accepted network etiquette.

Other Technology Issues

Employees with personal cell phones should limit phone usage for school district business. Employees should contact students and their parents through the school district technology or phone unless in the case of an emergency or with prior consent of the principal. Employees, who are coaches or sponsors of activities, may create a text list of students and parents in order to communicate more effectively as long as the texts go to all students and the principal is included in the text address list. Employees should limit the use of personal information when contacting families within the district. 

[SS1]This statement was added to the regulation in order to provide advance notice and additional clarity to employees about content posted to social media outside of the school environment. This is not a legal requirement but is a recommended update to this regulation.

Approved: 9/23/2015

Revised: 1/25/2023