Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District
Bylaws & Policies
 

7540 - COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND NETWORKS

The Board of Education is committed to the effective use of technology to both enhance the quality of student learning and the efficiency of operations within the school system.

However, the use of the District’s network and technology resources by students is a privilege, not a right. As a prerequisite, students and their parents must sign and submit a Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety form annually. (See also, Policy 7540.03)

The Superintendent shall develop and implement a written District Technology Plan (DTP). Procedures for the proper acquisition of technology shall be set forth in the DTP. The DTP shall also provide guidance to staff and students about making safe, appropriate and ethical use of the District’s network(s), as well as 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 inappropriate, 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, MySpace, Twitter, et cetera) that turn communication into interactive dialogue between users. The Board prohibits any access and use of social media by students from the District’s network.

The Board authorizes the access and use of social media from the District’s network to increase awareness of District programs and activities, as well as to promote achievements of staff and students, provided such access and use is approved in advance by the Superintendent.

The Superintendent shall review the DTP and report any changes, amendments or revisions to the Board annually.

Revised 4/11/11