Topic 1: Posting Guidelines for District Social Media Accounts

Topic 1: Posting Guidelines for District Social Media Accounts

Objective:
To ensure that all content shared through district-sponsored social media accounts reflects the values, policies, and strategic goals of Old Saybrook Public Schools, and complies with Board policy and applicable laws.

Internal and External Stakeholders:

• Internal: Program Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Principals, Department Leaders, Superintendent

• External: Parents, Students, Community Members, Local Media

Step-by-Step Operations Procedure:

1. District staff members must request permission to manage or contribute to a district-sponsored social media account.

2. All content must be school-related, professional, and aligned with the district’s branding and tone.

3. Building Administration must approve the use of social media for classroom, club, or extracurricular communication.

4. Staff may not use personal accounts for official school communication unless explicitly approved.

Step-by-Step Communications Procedure:

1. All official posts should be reviewed by the Program Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives or the appropriate building leader before publishing.

2. Required legal notices (e.g., permission for student images) must be verified.

3. Posts must not share confidential student or staff information.

4. All accounts must display the district or school name clearly in the bio or description and follow branding guidelines.

Possible Communication Mediums:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter/X

• YouTube

• TikTok (when approved and age-appropriate)

Policy Integration Notes:
According to the Board’s policy, district-sponsored social media use must:

• Be managed through Board-issued accounts

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Not misrepresent the district or its entities

• Receive supervisor approval for new account creation