VIDEOTAPING/FILMING/PHOTOGRAPHY OF STUDENTS

Videotaping, filming, or photographing students while participating in school activities may constitute a disruption in the planned instructional process if it is done without adequate preparation and justification and may violate the Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) which protects the privacy of parents and students.

The Georgetown School Department reserves the right to disapprove any filming or videotaping.

Parents may elect not to have their child videotaped, filmed or photographed through the use of a parent/guardian form which shall be made available annually, and which is also available in the school office.

Events such as awards assemblies, plays, concerts, athletic contests or similar events which have newsworthy aspects, are open to the public and therefore the media and not intended to be part of this policy.

In the event of fire, accident or unusual circumstances, the principal will determine if the public and/or media may be permitted access to the school.

This policy is not applicable to videotaping, filming and photography which will only be used by school officials with a legitimate educational interest or where the work meets other exceptions to FERPA's disclosure rules. However, videotaping, filming, or photography of any student without the explicit knowledge and permission of the student and parent is expressly prohibited, except where it is done as a direct consequence of security procedures implemented with the express knowledge and approval of the superintendent.

Local Access Cable Channels may only film students and student events with the expressed written consent of the students' parents and the superintendent of schools. The school committee is very concerned that our students be protected from the inadvertent exposure to predators who can easily identify a student in a public video broadcast. Since school events are well publicized ahead of time and well attended by relatives and the public in general, restricting broadcast access does not appear to be an issue.

In the event of a media event that would be broadcast over television, Internet, local cable or other system, the school department directs the superintendent to be fully in charge to insure that student and family privacy are paramount. Prior parent permission must be obtained before any filming or airing of any such broadcast. It would be the intent of the school committee that any such broadcast be specific to a school celebration and would essentially be by invitation from the school system. For example, should the school be recognized for academic or community excellence by an agency or institution, the broadcast of such an event would bring public acclaim to the school and though students may be filmed as background to the story, no child would be identified by name. Should a Georgetown student be recognized for an outstanding reason, that televised or media recorded event would also require written parent approval.

A. School Personnel and Parents

Staff members who plan activities which may include their videotaping/filming/photographing of students, will obtain, in advance, approval from the building administrator.

A videotape, film or photograph of students prepared by staff which includes students whose parents have not provided permission may not be shown outside of school and may only be shown to school officials with a legitimate educational interest or others for whom consent is not required by FERPA and Board Policy. Alternatively, if parents' permission is obtained the videotape, film or photograph may be used to extent of permission which all parents provided.

B. Web Publishing or Photographs

Photographs of individually identifiable students or groups of students may be published on the Union 47 or Georgetown Central School' s web site only if parental permission is granted in writing.

C. Violations

In the event there is an allegation that a student has violated this policy, the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy and Procedures shall apply, including all rights to due process.

Any violation by a staff member may be subject to immediate and serious discipline up to and including dismissal, as consistent with the offense.

If an agency or person violates the intent and will of this policy, such an infraction will be viewed as a breach of safety and community trust and will be referred to law enforcement and legal counsel for proper redress.

Legal Reference: 20 u . s . c . 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99, Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended.

Cross Reference:

JIC Student Code of Conduct

Adopted: October 31, 2006