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 digital resources. Employees 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, discharge.
General Provisions
The superintendent is responsible for designating a technology director who will oversee the use of school district digital resources. The technology director will prepare in-service programs for the training and development of school district staff in digital skills, appropriate use of digital devices and for the incorporation of digital sources in subject areas.
Usage of the school district's digital resources is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility. All information on the school district's digital 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 digital network must not expect, nor does the school district guarantee, privacy for e-mail or use of the school district's digital 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 digital network.
The superintendent, working with the appropriate staff, shall establish procedures governing management of digital records in order to exercise appropriate control over digital records, including financial, personnel, and student information. The procedures will address:
• passwords
• system administration
• separation of duties
• remote access
• data back-up (including archiving e-mail)
• 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 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 shall adhere to all applicable privacy and confidentiality policies adopted by the school district when on external websites. Employees shall not use the school district logos, images, iconography, etc on external websites. Employees shall not use school district time or property o external sites that are not in direct-relation to the employee's job. Employees, students and volunteers need to realize that the Internet is not a close system and anything posted on a external site may be viewed by others, all over the world. Employees, student 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.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations implementing this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code 279.8
281 IAC 13.35,.26
Cross Reference: 104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
306 Administrator Code of Ethics
401.11 Employee Orientation
407 Licensed Employee Termination of Employment
413 Classified Employee Termination of Employment
605 Instructional Materials
Approved: September 17, 2018
Reviewed:
Revised: