Technology Policies
East Orange School District
PROGRAM
2360/page 1 of 5
Use of Technology
- USE OF TECHNOLOGY
The Board of Education recognizes the use of technology in the educational process is an essential part of the schooling experience. Technology is to be viewed as a resource to enhance the learning process among other resources available to teachers and pupils. In addition, technology can be used to enhance the administration of the schools and the district. In order to provide direction and meaning to the use of technology as an instructional resource, the Board encourages and supports staff use of technology as a component of the learning process.
For purposes of this policy “technology” includes, but is not limited to, the use of computers and computer peripherals, communications networks, access to databases and libraries of information and the integration of audio, video, multimedia devices and media for purposes of teaching and learning.
The Superintendent, in consultation with school and district level teaching and support staff, shall recommend to the Board the acquisition of the appropriate technology to best implement the curricular, instructional, and administrative program of the school district. As a result of these consultations, the Superintendent shall prepare a technology plan for the school district to encompass the following:
Curricular, Instructional and Administrative Need
The technology plan shall define the curricular, instructional and administrative need for technological equipment and media for the district.
In-service Education
The Board shall provide opportunities for school staff to participate in in-service programs on hardware or software programs to be used in the execution of educational and administrative tasks. In-service programs may be provided in or out of the district.
Standards, Codes and References
All technology installations shall conform to the industry standards and applicable federal, State and local statutes and codes.
PROGRAM
2360/page 2 of 5
Use of Technology
Facilities Planning
In all facilities projects involving new constructions, additions, and renovations the Superintendent or designee shall ensure the plans include provisions for current and future technology needs in terms of the structural, electric/electronic, mechanical, acoustical and visual systems of the building(s). All educational specifications shall include features required for the use of instructional technology.
Computers
The school district will provide support or maintenance agreements for specified brands of computers. All other computers purchased or donated will be subject to repair only when non-allocated funding is available and therefore may remain unrepaired until funding is available.
Computer Software Acquisition and Upgrading
The school district will only support the specified upgrades and training. Staff members shall not purchase software that has not been included on a list of specified software or has been approved by the Director of Information Technology.
The Superintendent will recommend the purchase of upgrades to software as needed. An evaluation of the need for upgrades shall be made by appropriate personnel and no upgrade shall be purchased without the express approval of the Director of Information Technology.
Site Licenses
In the case where more than one copy of a software program is required, the Director of Information Technology shall attempt to acquire or negotiate a site license with the software developers. In the event a site license is not possible, vendors shall be sought who will provide multiple copies at a discounted cost.
Software Copyright
All employees shall strictly adhere to the copyright laws of the United States. No software shall be copied and/or distributed except in accordance with these laws. All software placed on media workstations or any network with public access shall be copy protected by the Director of Information Technology, who shall assure that individuals who have access to such programs shall not copy them without authorization.
PROGRAM
2360/page 3 of 5
Use of Technology
Internal Communication (District)
The school district shall provide communication between schools by a variety of means.
External Communications
The Board encourages the use of external communications so that schools may utilize the vast resources of external databases and communicate with other schools, external agencies, and businesses throughout the world. Gateways to such communications will be supported by the school district. The Director of Information Technology shall approve the use of particular gateways.
The Director of Information Technology shall be responsible for the installation of software on district owned computers and/or computer systems that prevents access to gateways and Internet sites that have material considered by the Board of Education to be inappropriate for use by pupils.
Computer Laboratories and Distributed Computing
In order to provide teacher, staff, and pupil access to computers, the Board directs that provisions be made to provide computer access in computer laboratories, classrooms, and school libraries/media centers.
Audio/Video
All audio and/or video materials shall be used in accordance with the copyright laws of the United States. Teachers, pupils, or staff who create audio or video materials containing the voices or images of the individuals involved shall obtain proper releases from those individuals, their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) for instructional use within the school.
Informing Parents, Legal Guardians and Interested Parties
Upon request, the Building Principal shall make available to parent/legal guardians the specifications of computer hardware and software used in the district in order that a computer purchased privately for home use may be compatible with the computer and software the pupil uses in the school setting.
PROGRAM
2360/page 4 of 5
Use of Technology
Broadcast Rights and Copyrights
The Board specifically retains the Broadcast rights and copyrights to all materials created by employees of the Board as part of their responsibilities to the Board. Any financial remuneration for the use of such materials shall be retained by the Board.
Computer Security
The Director of Information Technology, in consultation with district Facilities and Security Personnel, shall develop security procedures to include, but not be limited to, the following areas
1. Physical Security of Equipment
All computer equipment shall be maintained in a secure manner appropriate to its location.
2. Data Security
a. Back-up procedures for system files, libraries, and data shall be practiced in a timely fashion.
b. Disaster recovery plans shall be kept up-to-date at all times.
c. Password protection shall be in place and updated periodically.
d. Resource security shall be in place to prevent unauthorized access to system files, libraries, and data.
3. Employee Training
All new employees having, as part of their job responsibilities, access to computers and information systems will be trained in the proper security procedures outlined above.
All employees having, as part of their job responsibilities, access to computers and information systems will be kept up-to-date on current security procedures for equipment and data.
PROGRAM
2360/page 5 of 5
Use of Technology
4. Transaction Audit Trail
Appropriate procedures will be maintained in order to monitor system activity and users, as necessary.
5. Security Officer
The Superintendent shall designate the Director of Information Technology as the district’s Technology & Data Security Officer to monitor system security procedures.
Use of Facsimile (FAX) Machines
Fax machines provide a useful means of communicating and shall be subject to the same rules that apply to the use of telephones. All incoming faxes shall be considered confidential mail. No disclosure of the contents of any fax shall be made except to the individual for whom the fax is intended. Any individual violating this confidentiality shall be subject to discipline as provided by the policies and regulations of the Board.
N.J.A.C. 6A:26-6.1 et seq.
17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.
Adopted:
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 1 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
R 2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computers
and Resources
The school district provides computer equipment, computer services, and Internet access to its pupils, staff and other authorized users for educational purposes only. The purpose of providing technology resources is to improve learning and teaching through research, teacher training, collaboration, dissemination and the use of global communication resources. The “system administrators” referred to herein as employees of the school district, administer the school district computer network/computers, and may be required by the Board of Education and or the Superintendent to monitor all activity on network/computer facilities/computers.
Because of the complex association between so many government agencies and computer networks/computers, the end user of these computer networks/computers must adhere to strict regulations. Regulations are provided here so that staff, community, and pupil users and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of pupils are aware of their responsibilities. The school district may modify these regulations at any time by publishing modified regulations on the network and elsewhere. The signatures of the pupil and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) on the district-approved consent and waiver agreement are legally binding and indicate that the parties have read the terms and conditions carefully, understand their significance, and agree to abide by the rules established under Policy and Regulation No. 2361.
Pupils are responsible for good behavior on computer networks/computers just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the computer network/computers are often public in nature. Policies and Regulations governing behavior and communications apply. The school district's networks, Internet access and computers are provided for pupils to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to computer network services/computers is given to pupils who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege--not a right. Access entails responsibility. Individual users of the district computer network/computers are responsible for their behavior and communications over the computer network/computers. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for the actions of individuals utilizing the computer network/computers who violate the policies and regulations of the Board.
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 2 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
Computer network/computer storage areas shall be treated in the same manner as other school storage facilities. System Administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers of younger pupils will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media. As outlined in Board policy and procedures on pupil rights and responsibilities, copies of these are available in school offices. Behavior including but not limited to the following are prohibited:
1. Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures;
2. Using obscene language and/or accessing visual depictions that are obscene as defined in section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code;
3. Using or accessing visual depictions that are child pornography, as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code;
4. Using or accessing visual depictions that are harmful to minors including any pictures, images, graphic image file or other visual depiction that taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; or
5. Depicts, describes, or represents in a patently offensive way, with respect to what is suitable for minors, sexual acts or conduct; or taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
6. Harassing, insulting or attacking others;
7. Damaging computers, computer systems or computer network/computers;
8. Violating copyright laws;
9. Using another's password;
10. Trespassing in another's folders, work or files;
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 3 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
11. Intentionally wasting limited resources;
12. Employing the network/computers for commercial purposes; and/or
13. Engaging in other activities that do not advance the educational purposes for which computer network/computers are provided.
Internet Safety
Compliance with Children's Internet Protection Act
The school district has technology protection measures for all computers in the school district, including computers in media centers/libraries, that block and/or filter visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography and harmful to minors as defined in 2, 3, and 4 above and in the Children's Internet Protection Act. The school district will certify the schools in the district, including media centers/libraries are in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act and the district enforces Policy 2361.
Compliance with Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act
Policy 2361 and this Regulation establishes an Internet safety policy and procedures to address:
1. Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web;
2. The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;
3. Unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online;
4. Unauthorized disclosures, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and
5. Measures designed to restrict minors'' access to materials harmful to minors.
Notwithstanding the visual depictions defined in the Children's Internet Protection Act and as defined in 2, 3, and 4 above, the Board shall determine Internet material that is inappropriate for minors. The Board will provide reasonable public notice and will hold one annual public hearing during a regular monthly board meeting or during a designated
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 4 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
special board meeting to address and receive public community input on the Internet safety policy - Policy and Regulation 2361.
Information Content and Uses of the System
Users agree not to publish on or over the system any information which violates or infringes upon the rights of any other person or any information which would be abusive, profane or sexually offensive to an average person, or which, without the approval of the system administrators, contains any advertising or any solicitation of other members to use goods or services. The user agrees not to use the facilities and capabilities of the system to conduct any business or solicit the performance of any activity, which is prohibited by law.
Because the school district provides, through connection to the Internet, access to other computer systems around the world, pupils and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) understand that the Board and system administrators have no control over content. While most of the content available on the Internet is innocuous and much of it a valuable educational resource, some objectionable material exists. The Board will provide pupil access to Internet resources only in supervised environments and has taken steps to lock out objectionable areas to the extent possible, but potential dangers remain. Pupils and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are advised that some systems may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise illegal material. The Board and the system administrators do not condone the use of such materials and do not permit usage of such materials in the school environment. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) having home Internet accounts should be aware of the existence of such materials and monitor home usage of the school district computer network. Pupils knowingly bringing such materials into the school environment will be disciplined in accordance with Board policies and regulations and such activities may result in termination of such pupil’s accounts on the computer network and their independent use of computers.
On-line Conduct
Any action by a pupil or other authorized user of the school district's computer network/computers that is determined by a system administrator to constitute an inappropriate use of computer network/computers resources or to improperly restrict or inhibit other members from using and enjoying those resources is strictly prohibited and may result in limitation on or termination of an offending member's account and other action in compliance with the Board policy and regulation. The user specifically agrees not to submit, publish, or display
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 5 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or otherwise illegal material; nor shall a user encourage the use, sale, or
distribution of controlled substances. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any local, state or federal law is also prohibited and is a breach of the Consent and Waiver Agreement.
Users and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) specifically agree to indemnify the East Orange School District and the system administrators for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the Board relating to, or arising out of any breach of this section by the user.
Computer network/computer resources are to be used by the user for his/her educational use only; commercial uses are strictly prohibited.
Software Libraries on the Network
Software libraries on the network are provided to pupils as an educational resource. No pupil may install, upload, or download software without the expressed consent of the system administrator. Any software having the purpose of damaging other members' accounts on the school district computer network/computers (e.g., computer viruses) is specifically prohibited. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, reserve the rights to refuse posting of files and to remove files. The system administrators, at their sole discretion, further reserve the right to immediately limit usage or terminate the account or take other action consistent with the Board's policies and regulations of a member who misuses the software libraries.
Copyrighted Material
Copyrighted material must not be placed on any system connected to the network/computers without the author's specific written permission. Only System Administrators may upload copyrighted material to the system. Members may download copyrighted material for their own use in accordance with Policy and Regulation Nos. 2531, Copying Copyrighted Materials. Any member may also non-commercially redistribute a copyrighted program with the expressed written permission of the owner or authorized person. Permission must be specified in the document, on the system, or must be obtained directly from the author.
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 6 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
Real-time, Interactive, Communication Areas
The system administrators, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to monitor and immediately limit the use of the computer network/computers or terminate the account of a member who misuses real-time conference features (talk/chat/Internet relay chat).
Electronic Mail
Electronic mail (“E-mail”) is an electronic message sent by or to a member in correspondence with another person having Internet mail access. All messages sent and received on the school district computer network must have an educational purpose and are subject to review.
The school district supplies email addresses to employees for official use. All school district business conducted by e-mail must be done using the e-mail account that the district supplies.
Messages received by the system are retained on the system until deleted by the recipient or the user’s quota is reached. A canceled account will not retain its E-mail. Members are expected to remove old, unneeded messages within thirty days or the system administrators may remove such messages. The system administrators may inspect the contents of E-mail sent by one member to an addressee, or disclose such contents to other than the sender or a recipient when required to do so by the Board policy, regulation or other laws and regulations of the State and Federal governments.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure requires that the school district to be prepared to respond for requests for electronic records in the case of a lawsuit. To this end, all E-mail will be archived in accordance with this law. The Board reserves the right to cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any E-mail transmitted on the school district computer networks or computers.
The district's email system may not be used for the reposting personal communications without the author's consent; Copying, sending (uploading) or receiving (downloading) commercial software in violation of copyright law or other copyright protection of trademarked material; 5. Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity; Using the network for political advertisement or political activity; Creating and/or forwarding advertisements chain letters, mass mailings, get rich quick schemes, PROGRAM
R 2361/page 7 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
and pyramid schemes to individual mailboxes and/or mailing lists; Gambling or conducting any illegal activity; Posting personal views on social, political, religious or
other nonbusiness related matters; Creating and/or forwarding messages, jokes, etc., which violate School Board harassment policies and/or create an intimidating or hostile environment.
Disk Usage
The system administrators reserve the right to set quotas for disk usage on the system. A member who exceeds his/her quota of disk space will be advised to delete files to return to compliance with predetermined quotas. A member who remains in noncompliance of disk space quotas after seven school days of notification will have their files removed by a system administrator.
Security
Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If a member feels that he/she can identify a security problem on the computer network, the member must notify a system administrator. The member should not inform individuals other than the system administrators or other designated members of the school district staff of a security problem. Professional staff may allow individuals who are not members to access the system through the staff personal account as long as the staff person does not disclose the password of the account to the individuals and understands that the staff person assumes responsibility for the actions of individuals using his/her account. Members may not otherwise allow others to use their account and password. Passwords to the system should not be easily guessable by others, nor should they be words, which could be found in a dictionary. Attempts to log in to the system using either another member's account or as a system administrator will result in termination of the account. Members should immediately notify a system administrator if a password is lost or stolen, or if they have reason to believe that someone has obtained unauthorized access to their account. Any member identified as a security risk will have limitations placed on usage of the computer network/computers or may be terminated as a user and be subject to other disciplinary action.
Vandalism
Vandalism will result in cancellation of system privileges and other disciplinary measures in compliance with the District's discipline code. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the system, or any of the agencies or other network/computers that are connected to the Internet backbone or of doing intentional
PROGRAM
R 2361/page 8 of 9
Acceptable Use of Computer Network/
Computers and Resources
damage to hardware or software on the system. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Printing