Electronic social networking sites will be used in accordance with board policies on bullying, harassment, work requirements, and conduct for the purpose of promoting learning and associated communication. All users of the district’s technology resources, including employees and volunteers, shall comply with this policy, 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, as well as suspension and/or revocation of technology access privileges. Electronic social networking includes, but is not limited to, YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, and websites.
Usage of the district’s technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility. District-owned technology and district-maintained social media and email accounts are the property of the district. Therefore, users of the district’s network must not expect, nor does the district guarantee privacy for email or use of the district’s network including websites visited. The district reserves the right to access and view any material stored on district equipment or any materials used in conjunction with the district’s network.
For purposes of this policy, any website other than the district’s website or district-sanctioned websites, are considered external websites. All users shall not post confidential or proprietary information, including photographic images, about the district, its employees, students, agents, or others on any external website without prior written consent of the superintendent [or designee]. All users shall adhere to all applicable privacy and confidentiality policies adopted by the district when on external websites. All users shall not use the district logos, images, iconography, etc., on external websites. Employees and volunteers shall not use district time or property on external sites that are not in direct relation to the their job duties. All users need to realize that the Internet is not a closed system, and anything posted on an external site may be viewed by others. Employees and volunteers should not connect with students via external websites 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 district-sanctioned activities should obtain prior written consent from the superintendent [or designee].
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.
Adopted: 3/11
Reviewed: 12/11; 4/13; 4/23
Revised: 9/14; 11/16; 8/17; 6/20; 8/24
Related Policy: Series 103; 403.21; 502.1; 603.12
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; 282 IAC 25-26
IASB Reference: 713; 713-R(1)