The Board of Education is committed to the effective use of technology to both enhance the quality of student learning and the efficiency of District operations. However, the use of the District’s network and technology resources by students is a privilege not a right.

The District Administrator shall develop and implement a written District Technology Procedure (DTP). The DTP will provide for both the acquisition of technology, and guidance to staff and students concerning making safe, appropriate and ethical use of the District’s network(s). The DTP shall also inform both staff and students about disciplinary actions that will be taken if Board technology and/or networks are abused in any way or used in an illegal or unethical manner.

Further, safeguards shall be established so that the Board's investment in both hardware and software achieves the benefits of technology and inhibits negative side effects. Accordingly, students shall be educated about appropriate online behavior including, but not limited to, using social media to interact with others online; interacting with other individuals in chat rooms or on blogs; and, recognizing what constitutes cyberbullying, understanding cyberbullying is a violation of District policy, and learning appropriate responses if they are victims of cyberbullying.

Social media shall be defined as internet-based applications (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) that turn communication into interactive dialogue between users. The Board authorizes the instructional staff to access social media from the District’s network, provided such access has an educational purpose for which the instructional staff member has the prior approval of the principal.

However, personal access and use of social media, blogs, or chat rooms from the District’s network is expressly prohibited and shall subject students to discipline in accordance with Board policy.

The District Administrator shall annually review the DTP to determine the effectiveness of the plan in meeting its objectives.