| Van Buren Intermediate School District |
| Administrative Guidelines |
9120C - NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS
The Superintendent will function as the District's communication representative with the news media and the director will serve that function at the program level. In order to maintain a progressive and coordinated program of public relations for the District, it is essential that:
| A. | staff members not give program information or an interview requested by representatives of the news media without prior approval of the program communication representative who will either set up an appointment for this purpose which will not interfere with the staff member's daily activities, or speak to the media representative about the matter personally; | |
| B. | anyone given permission to photograph a nonpublic program event or activity must submit the photographs to the director for approval prior to their use in order to avoid possible invasion of privacy problems; | |
| C. | in cases where there is doubt with regard to taste or privacy, but where it is felt that the publishing of the photograph serves a purpose which is in the best interests of the District, the communications representative will not authorize the use of the photograph without first obtaining a release from the individual(s) concerned or their parent or guardian; | |
| D. | students are not permitted to provide information about program activities or an interview to representatives of the news media without prior approval of the program communications representative who is to be present at all such meetings with news media representatives. |
The District and each program's communications representative shall:
| A. | be readily available to media representatives; | |
| B. | provide media representatives upon their request with all facts that give a true picture to the best of his/her knowledge; | |
| C. | requesting, at the same time, that they not publish or broadcast any facts which are injurious to District personnel or students, or which would serve no constructive purpose; | |
| D. | keep media representatives fully informed with regard to the District in all aspects, activities, and changes, so that any reporting will be done on the basis of a complete and valid overview; | |
| E. | submit, suggest or request feature stories or articles to media representatives which are of interest or importance; | |
| F. | provide an agenda and other "background" material to media representatives who attend meetings of the Board; | |
| G. | meet periodically with representatives of the news media to discuss District progress and problems and/or review general media impressions of the District; | |
| H. | assist various program-related groups in their relations with the news media; | |
| I. | protect program personnel from any unnecessary demands on their time by news media representatives. |