Section (4000) Personnel
Policy Name REGULATION - Acceptable Computer Network Use
Policy Number 4320 REG
Date Approved 05/10/2005
Date Revised  
Date Revised  
Date Revised  
Date Revised  
Policy

The intent of these administrative regulations is to provide employees with general requirements for utilizing the district's computers, networks and Internet services. The administrative regulations may be supplemented by more specific administrative procedures and rules governing day to day management and operation of the computer system.

These rules provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses for illustrative purposes but do not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users. Employees who have questions regarding whether a particular activity or use is acceptable should seek further guidance from the school administrator or district technology department.

Failure to comply with Board policy 4320, these regulations and/or other established procedures or rules governing computer use may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. Illegal uses of the district's computers will also result in referral to law enforcement authorities.

A. Access to District Computers, Networks and Internet Services

The level of access that employees have to district computers, networks and Internet services is based upon specific employee job requirements and needs.

B. Acceptable Use

Employee access to the district's computers, networks and Internet services is provided for administrative, educational, communication and research purposes consistent with the district's educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals. General rules and expectations for professional behavior and communication apply to use of the district's computers, networks and Internet services.

C. Prohibited Use

The employee is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving district computers, networks and Internet services and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts. General examples of unacceptable uses, which are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

1. Any use that is illegal or in violation of other Board policies, including harassing, discriminatory or threatening communications and behavior, violations of copyright laws, etc.;

2. Any use involving materials that are offensive, obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit or sexually suggestive;

3. Any inappropriate communications with students or minors;

4. Any use for private financial gain, or commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes;

5. Any use as a forum for communicating by e mail or any other medium with other district users or outside parties to solicit, proselytize, advocate or communicate the views of an individual or non school sponsored organization; to solicit membership in or support of any non school sponsored organization; or to raise funds for any non school sponsored purpose, whether for profit or not for profit. No employee shall knowingly provide school e mail addresses to outside parties whose intent is to communicate with school employees, students and/or their families for non school purposes. Employees who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek further guidance from the building principal or appropriate administrator;

6. Any communication that represents personal views as those of the district or that could be misinterpreted as such;

7. Downloading, loading, or updating any kind of software, applications, or add-ons to existing applications without prior permission from the system administrator;

8 Opening or forwarding any e mail attachments (executable files) from unknown sources and/or that may contain viruses;

9. Sending mass e mails to district users or outside parties for school or non school purposes without the permission of the system administrator or other designated administrator;

10. Any malicious use or disruption of the district's computers, networks and Internet services or breach of security features;

11. Any misuse or damage to the district's computer equipment;

12. Misuse of the computer passwords or accounts (employee or other users);

13. Any communications that are in violation of generally accepted rules of network etiquette and/or professional conduct;

14. Any attempt to access unauthorized sites;

15. Failing to report a known breach of computer security to the system administrator;

16. Using district computers, networks and Internet services after such access has been denied or revoked;

17. Any attempt to delete, erase or otherwise conceal or encrypt any information stored on a district computer that violates these rules;

18. Violating any state or federal laws including trademark, computer crime, or copyright laws;

19. Trespassing in others' folders, documents, or files;

20. Unauthorized use of games;

21. Violating regulations prescribed by the network provider;

22. Sharing confidential information on students or employees without appropriate consent;

23. Other behaviors in violation of district policy or regulations;

D. No Expectation of Privacy

The district retains, control, custody and supervision of all computers, networks and Internet services owned or leased by the district. The district reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by employees and other system users. Employees have no expectation of privacy in their use of district computers, including e mail messages and stored files.

E. Confidentiality of Information

Employees are expected to use appropriate judgment and caution in communications concerning students and staff to ensure that personally identifiable information remains confidential.

F. Staff Responsibilities to Students

Teachers, staff members and volunteers who utilize district computers for instructional purposes with students have a duty of care to supervise such use. They must be familiar with the district's policies and rules concerning student computer and Internet use and to enforce them. When, in the course of their duties, employees or volunteers become aware of student violations, they are expected to stop the activity and inform the building principal [or other appropriate administrator].

G. Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages

The employee shall be responsible for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the district related to violations of policy 4320 and/or these regulations.

H. School District Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or Illegal Use

The district assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by employees including but not limited to credit card charges, subscriptions, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.

I. Employee Acknowledgment Required

Each employee authorized to access the district's computers, networks and Internet services is required to acknowledge that they have read policy 4320 and these regulations. An annual acknowledgment may be electronic or by paper copy.