Technology

Acceptable Use of Technology and Electronic Communications

The Paramus Public School District is committed to ensuring the responsible and secure use of all technology resources. Employees are required to comply with the District’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), as well as all applicable Board policies governing electronic communications, professional conduct, and data security. These policies are available for review on the District’s official website and must be adhered to at all times. 

Social Media and Online Conduct

Employees are required to remain mindful of their status as public employees when using social media or other online platforms. All staff members are expected to exercise discretion and maintain professionalism in any online activity that may be publicly accessible.

The District strongly advises employees to:

1. Utilize privacy settings appropriately to limit unintended access.

2. Avoid posting content that is sensitive, offensive, or otherwise controversial.

3. Refrain from engaging in online interactions that could compromise their professional role or adversely reflect upon the District.

Use of District-Issued Technology

The District provides various technology devices and tools for business-related purposes only. 

These may include:

• Desktop and laptop computers.

• Tablets or iPads

• Cellular phones or smartphones

• Other electronic or computing devices
  
  

All District-issued technology is the property of the Paramus Public School District and must be used solely for work-related functions. Use of these devices is governed by the Acceptable Use Policy and relevant Board regulations.

Employee Responsibilities Include

Employees are responsible for the proper care and security of all District-issued devices. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Taking reasonable precautions to prevent loss, damage, theft, or unauthorized access.

2. Reporting any lost or stolen device immediately to their supervisor and the Technology Department, and filing a police report as required.

3. Understanding that failure to comply with reporting procedures may result in the employee being held financially responsible for the replacement or repair of the device.

Email Use and Communication Protocol

Employees are required to check their District-issued email account at least once per workday and to respond to messages within forty-eight (48) hours, when appropriate. District-issued email accounts shall be used exclusively for official District business.

All electronic communications, whether internal or external, are considered public records and may be subject to legal discovery, audits, or open records requests. 

Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment and use professional language in all email correspondence.

Prohibited Technology Uses

To maintain system integrity, ensure compliance, and protect District resources, the following activities are strictly prohibited on District-owned or managed devices and networks:

• Personal use of District devices that interferes with job responsibilities or District operations

• Accessing, creating, transmitting, or storing inappropriate, offensive, sexually explicit, discriminatory, or unlawful content

• Installing, downloading, or using unauthorized software, applications, or programs

• Attempting to bypass, disable, or circumvent security protocols, firewalls, or content filters

• Using District technology for commercial, political, or personal financial gain

• Sharing District-issued credentials, accounts, or passwords with unauthorized individuals

• Streaming non-work-related media or accessing non-instructional websites (e.g., gaming, shopping, or social media for personal use) during work hours

• Using personal cloud storage or email accounts to transmit or store District records or student/staff data

• Engaging in any form of cyberbullying, harassment, or inappropriate communication with students, staff, or external individuals