713 - Responsible Technology Use and Social Networking

Computers, electronic devices and other technology are powerful and valuable education and research tools and, as such, are an important part of the instructional program. In addition, the school district depends upon technology 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 technology resources. Students, staff, and volunteers must conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process and failure to do so may result in discipline, up to and including student discipline under all relevant district policies, and termination for employees.

General Provisions

The superintendent is responsible for designating a Technology Director who will oversee the use of school district technology resources. The Technology Director will prepare in-service programs for the training and development of school district staff and relevant volunteers in technology skills, appropriate use of district technology, and for the incorporation of technology use in subject areas.

The superintendent, working with appropriate staff, shall establish regulations governing the use and security of the school district’s technology resources. The school district will make every reasonable effort to maintain the security of the district networks and devices. All users of the school district’s technology resources, including students, staff 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 termination, or expulsion as well as suspension and/or revocation of technology access privileges.

Usage of the school district’s technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility. District-owned technology and district maintained Internet-based collaboration software, social media, and e-mail accounts are the property of the school district. Therefore, users of the school district’s network must not expect, nor does the school district guarantee, privacy for use of the school district’s network including web sites visited. The school district reserves the right to access and view any material stored on school district equipment, within district-owned software, or any material used or accessed in conjunction with the school district’s network.

The superintendent, working with the appropriate staff, shall establish procedures governing management of technology records in order to exercise appropriate control over technology records, including financial, personnel and student information. The procedures will address at a minimum:

• passwords,
• system administration,
• separation of duties,
• remote access,
• data back-up (including archiving of e-mail),
• record retention, and
• disaster recovery plans.

Social Networking or Other External Web Sites

For purposes of this policy any website, other than the school district web site or school-school district sanctioned web sites, are considered external web sites. Employees and volunteers shall not post confidential or proprietary information, including photographic images, about the school district, its employees, students, agents, or others on any external web site without prior written consent of the superintendent. Employees and volunteers shall adhere to all applicable privacy and confidentiality policies adopted by the school district when on external web sites. Employees, students and volunteers shall not use the school district logos, images, iconography, etc. on external web sites unless authorized in advance by school administration.  Employees, 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. Employees, students and volunteers who don’t want school administrators to know their personal information, should refrain from sharing it on the internet. Employees and volunteers should not connect with students via external web sites without consent of the building level administrator.

Employees and volunteers who wish to connect with students through an Internet-based software application that is not District-approved must first obtain the prior written consent of the building administrator.  At all times, no less than two licensed employees must have access to all accounts and interactions on the software application. Employees and volunteers who would like to start a social media site for school district sanctioned activities, should obtain prior written consent from the superintendent.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.

 

Legal Reference:       Iowa Code § 279.8.

                                  282 I.A.C. 25, 26.

 

Cross Reference:      106      Anti-Bullying/Harassment

                                  307      Administrator Code of Ethics

                                  401.01 Employee Orientation

                                  407      Licensed Employee Termination of Employment

  413      Classified Employee Termination of Employment

                                  605      Instructional Materials

 

Approved:  03/18/2024

Reviewed:

Revised: