The Board of Education is committed to optimization of student learning and teaching. The Board considers a computer network to be a valuable tool for education, and encourages the use of computers and computer-related technology.

The Board encourages computer network use as an integral part of the curriculum. Through software applications, online databases, bulletin boards and electronic mail, the network will significantly enhance educational experiences and provide statewide, national and global communications opportunities for staff and students.

The District places a high value on individual responsibility in all facets of school life. Consistent with this value, it is important that users act with respect, consideration, and responsibility when using computer network based technologies because material accessed, transmitted and used is not always determined by teachers or supervisors.

The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to designate a computer coordinator to oversee the use of District computer resources.

The Superintendent shall establish rules and regulations governing the use and security of the District's computer resources and network. Failure to comply with District policy, rules and regulations for use of the District's computer resources and network may result in disciplinary and/or legal action as well as suspension and/or revocation of computer access privileges.

II. Scope of Policy

All use of the technology must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the purposes of the District.

This policy applies to all electronic media and services, including, but not limited to, computers and computer peripherals, telecommunications equipment and services, internet and intranet access, local and wide area networks, and related equipment (television, cameras, scanners, printers, projectors).

The specific conditions of use, as well as electronic media and services being offered, may change from time to time. The District makes no warranties with respect to network services or content.

1. The Superintendent shall designate a computer coordinator to oversee the District's computer network.

2. The computer coordinator will:

monitor and examine network activities as deemed appropriate to facilitate proper use of the system;

disseminate and interpret District policy and regulations governing use of the network at the building level with all network
users; and

provide or arrange for employee and student training for proper use of the network, including education in
District policy, rules and regulations governing use of the network.

B. User Privileges. Responsible users may:

Conduct research;

Send/receive electronic mail (e-mail) to/from other users only for instructor-authorized communication. No personal e-mail is allowed using district computers;

Explore other computer systems;

Create material for posting; and

Download copyrighted material for their own use and in accordance with the fair use doctrine.

C. Prohibitions. A user may not:

1. Use the electronic media and services:

a. for non-educational purposes or in a manner inconsistent with the District's mission and goals;

b. to transmit, solicit, download, or access material that is pornographic, obscene, indecent, patently offensive, or harassing;

c. to send anonymous messages and files;

d. to transmit, solicit, download, upload or access material that is in violation of any District policy or regulation, or any local, state or federal law or regulation; or

e. for commercial purposes or financial gain without prior written permission of the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee.

f. for personal e-mail or other personal activities.

2. Use copyrighted material in reports without proper attribution to the author and adequate citation; place copyrighted material on any network without the author's permission and the approval of the teacher, administrator, or computer coordinator, as appropriate.

3. Vandalize the electronic media or services, including, but not limited to, attempts to harm, degrade or destroy district equipment, data or materials, data of another user of the District's system or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected (e.g., uploading or creating of computer viruses, intentional disruption of network traffic).

4. Share passwords without written permission from the teacher, administrator, or computer coordinator, as appropriate; attempt to log on to the District's system in another's name; use the electronic media and services to send a message identifying another person as the sender; access a message sent to another person; or gain unauthorized access to another user's files.

5. Steal data, equipment, or intellectual property.

6. Gain or seek to gain unauthorized access to secure resources or entities (e.g., student records or other District files).

7. Invade the privacy of individuals.

8. Load personal software onto the District's computers or network without permission of the teacher, administrator, or computer coordinator, as appropriate.

D. District Access to Data. Users have no right or expectation of privacy regarding any information or communications created or accessed using the District's electronic media, computers and services. By virtue of their use, users consent to access, monitoring and disclosure of the data by the District. The District reserves the right to view, modify, or delete without notice or warning any material stored on District equipment.

E. Web Pages. All Web pages must be developed according to District guidelines and approved by the computer coordinator prior to posting.

F. Security Problems. Users identifying a security problem associated with the electronic media and services must notify the appropriate teacher, administrator, or computer coordinator and refrain from demonstrating the problem to any other individuals.

G. Legal Issues. The Law: The law regarding electronic media and services is constantly developing in an effort to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology. Legal questions, as they arise, should be addressed to the District's computer coordinator who shall consult with the District's legal counsel.

Copyright: All use of data and material posted to or accessed from the electronic media and services (including the internet) shall be in compliance with the law and District policy regarding "fair use."

H. Compliance. 1. Violations of Policy:

a. The user is held responsible for his/her actions and activity within his/her account and in using the account in strict accordance with this policy.

b. Use of the electronic media and services in violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, suspension or revocation of privileges, and/or initiation of legal action. Such consequences for violations may include, but are not limited to:

Suspension of Internet access;
Revocation of Internet access;
Suspension of Network privileges;
Revocation of Network privileges;
Suspension of computer access;
Revocation of computer access;
The full range of disciplinary consequences provided under the School Conduct and Student Discipline Code including suspension or permanent suspension;
Civil and/or criminal prosecution.

2. Procedure:

a. Revocation or suspension of user privileges: Before a user's rights are suspended or revoked, the user will be informed of the reason for suspension or revocation and shall have the opportunity to respond.

b. Student discipline:If action is to be taken against the user pursuant to the School Conduct and Student Discipline Code, the user shall have the applicable procedural rights provided within that code as described in the Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

c. Legal action: In the event of legal action brought against the user, the user shall have the rights afforded under the applicable civil or criminal law statutes.

Any questions about the Technology Use Policy or Regulations should be directed to Peter Ciarelli, Director of Technology.