IIBG Computer Use (See GAA and JCDA) IIBG

Use of District Computers/Privacy Rights

Computer systems are for educational, professional and limited, appropriate personal use which does not interfere with professional responsibilities or the educational process. All information created by staff shall be considered district property and shall be subject to announced monitoring by district administrators. The district retains the right to discipline any student per the discipline handbook, up to and including expulsion and any employee per the negotiated agreement, up to and including termination, for violations of this policy.

Copyright (See ECH)

Software acquired by staff using either district or personal funds, and installed on district computers, must comply with copyright laws. Proof of purchase (copy or original) must be filed in the district office.

Installation

No software, including freeware or shareware, may be installed on any district computer until cleared by the network administrator. The administrator will verify the compatibility of the software with existing software and hardware, and prescribe installation and de-installation procedures. Program files must have the Superintendent’s approval to be installed on any district server or computer. Students shall not install software on district computers or computer systems.

Hardware

Staff shall not install unapproved hardware on district computers, or make changes to software settings that support district hardware.

Audits

The administration may conduct periodic audits of software installed on district equipment to verify legitimate use.

Privacy rights

Employees and/or students shall have no expectation of privacy when using district e-mail or other official communication systems. Any e-mail or computer applications or information in district computers or computer systems is subject to monitoring by the administration.

Ownership of Employee Computer Materials

Computer materials or devices created as part of any assigned district responsibility or classroom activity undertaken on school time shall be the property of the board.

Approved: KASB recommendation – 9/97; 9/00; 7/02; 5/03

IIBG-R Acceptable Use of Technology IIBG-R

1. By employees

A. USD 470 supports employee use of advanced technology including computers, computer networks, the Internet, electronic mail, and other online services that facilitate access to information, resource sharing, research, collaborative learning, communications and integrated technology instruction. The use of district computers, computer networks, the Internet, or other online services accessed through district resources shall be in support of education and research consistent with the district's educational objectives. Limited, appropriate personal use of computer technology resources is permitted if it does not interfere with professional responsibilities or the educational process. The district encourages employees to learn to use computer technology and appropriately apply its use to complete tasks associated with their job positions and assignments.

B. Employees shall be responsible for displaying appropriate behavior and maintaining a productive learning environment when using district computers, computer networks, the Internet and other online services. Use of district computer technology must comply with the district and school rules for appropriate use, the rules established by other network or computing resources used, and local, state and federal statute, including copyright law. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for commercial product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. (See GAHB-R)

C. Teachers, administrators, and others who make decisions regarding student access and use of the Internet shall, in making such decisions, at all times consider the district's stated educational mission and the student Acceptable Use policy. To the extent possible and appropriate, students’ use of the Internet shall be structured in ways that encourage access to those resources that have been evaluated prior to use. District staff shall supervise students utilizing district-provided Internet access. The wishes of any parent or guardian wanting to prohibit usage of the Internet by his/her child shall be supported and respected.

D. Employees shall communicate with telecommunication tools in a professional manner consistent with district policies and state and federal statute. Electronic mail and telecommunications shall not be improperly used to disclose confidential information about district employees or to disclose information from student education records in violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. / 1232g, as amended, and its interpretive regulations, 34 C.F.R./99.1, et seq. This restriction shall not apply to the district’s student information system or other district administrative software that is used by authorized staff members in a manner that complies with FERPA and its interpretive regulations.

E. Users are governed by the security and safety regulations established by the district and its Internet access provider. Users are responsible for the use of their system accounts and for protecting their passwords. No employee will use another individual’s account without written permission or reveal personal information online about themselves or any other district staff or students.

F. Activities and communication on the district network are not private. Network administrators, teachers, and other appropriate district staff may review directories, files and communications from time to time to prevent misuse and to perform system maintenance. District administrators or their designees may delete files that are not kept to a manageable storage level or are deemed inappropriate.

G. The use of the district’s computer technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges. USD 470 reserves the right to deny, revoke, suspend, or close any user account at any time, based upon its determination of inappropriate use by the account holder or user. Inappropriate use may also result in disciplinary or legal action per the negotiated agreement. If permitted by law, inappropriate use may result in an assessment of the cost of damages to hardware/software.

H. Content found on Internet resources may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material. USD 470 does not condone the use of such information and will not knowingly permit usage in the school environment. Internet sites that are considered obscene, as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code, child pornography, as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code, or harmful to minors as defined in Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-4301) are inappropriate under any circumstances and access to those sites is restricted. Such restriction will be partially accomplished using a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access.

I. The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the access it is providing. The district will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, system maintenance, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's risk. The district denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information.

J. Any statement of personal belief found on district computer technology resources is implicitly understood to be representative of the author’s individual point of view, and not that of USD 470, its employees, or the participating school. No representations to the contrary shall be published without written approval from the superintendent or his designee.

K. Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action per the negotiated agreement. If permitted by law, inappropriate use may result in an assessment of the cost of damages to hardware/software. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the network. This includes, but it not limited to, uploading, creating or transmitting computer viruses.

L. The following standards are used as a general structure for staff/faculty member access to electronic sources.

Staff and faculty members are allowed to have a network user account created for their use. This type of account is accompanied by an addition of private storage directory for staff/faculty work and a personal electronic mail account. This account is made strictly for that member’s own use. The account name is linked directly to that staff/faculty member for logging purposes on the network. The district Technology Coordinator strictly prohibits any use of this account by another student or staff/faculty member. Procedures are in place that will require the member to change passwords up to three times per year. The staff/faculty member also will be given the ability to change his/her password at any given time. These staff/faculty members are allowed to have independent access to the Internet at work and are expected to abide by the normal rules of appropriateness.

M. Prior to use of school computers, computer networks, the Internet, and other online services accessed through district resources, each employee shall sign an Employee Access Contract, specifying awareness of the restrictions of the district’s employee Acceptable Use Policy.

2. By students

A. USD 470 supports the use of advanced technology and increased access to learning opportunities by all students. The goal of the district in providing access to computers, computer networks, Internet resources, electronic mail and other online services for students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing and communications, and improving access to information. The use of district computers, networks, the Internet, or other online services accessed through district resources shall be in support of education and research consistent with the district's educational objectives. Limited, appropriate personal use of computer technology resources is permitted if it does not interfere with student responsibilities or the educational process.

B. Students are responsible for good behavior and appropriate communication on computers, networks, the Internet, or other online services just as they are in a classroom or on school property. General school rules for behavior and communication apply. Use of district computer technology must comply with the district and school rules for appropriate use as outlined in board policies, school handbooks, the rules established by other network or computing resources used, and local, state and federal statutes. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for commercial product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

C. Users are governed by the security and safety regulations established by the district and its Internet access provider. Users are responsible for the use of their system accounts and for protecting their passwords. No student will use another individual’s account or reveal personal information online about themselves or any other district staff or students.

D. Activities and communication on the district network are not private. Network administrators, teachers, and other appropriate district staff may review and/or delete student files and student communications from time to time to prevent misuse and to ensure students are using the system responsibly and in compliance with laws and district policies.

E. The use of the district’s computer technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges. USD 470 reserves the right to deny, revoke, suspend, or close any user account at any time, based upon its determination of inappropriate use by the account holder or user. Inappropriate use may also result in disciplinary or legal action including, but not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school per the district discipline handbook and/or criminal prosecution under appropriate local, state and federal laws; and assessment of the cost of damages to hardware/software. Any student identified as a security risk or having a history of inappropriate use with other computer systems may be denied access.

F. Content found on Internet resources may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive or illegal material. USD 470 does not condone the use of such information and will not knowingly permit usage in the school environment. The district reserves the right to restrict access to resources that do not meet district informational, instructional and educational outcomes. Internet sites that are considered obscene, as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code, child pornography, as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code, or harmful to minors as defined in Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-4301) are inappropriate under any circumstances and access to those sites is restricted. Such restriction will be partially accomplished using a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access.

G. Regardless of any technology protection measure implemented by the district as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, teachers, administrators and others who make decisions regarding student access to the Internet shall, in making such decisions, at all times consider the district’s stated educational mission and the student Acceptable Use policy. District professional staff shall supervise students utilizing district-provided Internet access. Students shall not be allowed to utilize electronic communications unless a signed consent form is on file. A family’s right to decide whether or not to sign the Student Access Contract for their student shall be supported and respected. Permission is not transferable from one student to another and may not be shared.

H. The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the access it is providing. The district will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, system maintenance or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s risk. The district denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information.

I. Any statement of personal belief found on district computer technology resources is implicitly understood to be representative of the author’s individual point of view, and not that of USD 470, its employees, or the participating school. No representations to the contrary shall be published without written approval from the superintendent or his designee.

J. Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action per the district discipline handbook; and assessment of the cost of damages to hardware/software. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the network. This includes, but it not limited to, uploading, creating or transmitting computer viruses.

K. Procedures for classroom and library media center use will be established at each building and an Acceptable Use policy, specific to those procedures and inclusive of district policy will be published in each school’s staff and student handbooks. Teachers and other supervisory staff will be responsible for appropriate classroom usage and direct instruction about acceptable use.

L. The following standards are used as a general structure for student access to electronic resources.

Grades K-5

These students are allowed to use network resources using a generic student account. This type of user login will allow students read-only access to instructional software, Internet access and data files on the local system. Student access to the Internet is usually only available under the direct supervision of a teacher, instructional assistant or other trained adult volunteer.

Grades 6-12

These students are allowed to have a network user account created for their use. This type of account is accompanied by an addition of a private storage directory for student work and a personal electronic mail account. This account is made strictly for that student’s own use. The account name is linked directly to that student for logging purposes on the network. The district Technology Coordinator strictly prohibits any use of this account by another student or staff member. Procedures are in place that will require the student to change passwords up to three times per year. The student will also be given the ability to change his/her password at any given time. These students are allowed to have independent access to the Internet at school and are expected to abide by the normal rules of appropriateness.

M. Prior to use of school computers, computer networks, the Internet, and other online services accessed through district resources, each student and his/her parent, if the student is 18 or younger, desiring to use such account(s) shall sign a Student Access Contract, specifying awareness of the restrictions of the district’s Acceptable Use Policy.

3. By patrons

A. USD 470 supports the use of advanced technology including computers, computer networks, the Internet, electronic mail, and other online services that facilitate access to information, resource sharing, research, collaborative learning, communications and integrated technology instruction. The district encourages patrons to learn to use computer technology and appropriately apply its use to complete tasks associated with their interests.

B. Patrons shall be responsible for displaying appropriate behavior when using district computers, computer networks, the Internet and other online services. Use of district computer technology must comply with the district and school rules for appropriate use, the rules established by other network or computing resources used, and local, state and federal statute, including copyright law. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for commercial product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. (See GAHB-R)

C. Users are governed by the security and safety regulations established by the district and its Internet access provider. Users are responsible for the use of their system accounts and for protecting their passwords. No user will use another individual’s account without written permission or reveal personal information online about themselves.

D. Activities and communication on the district network are not private. Network administrators, teachers, and other appropriate district staff may review directories, files and communications from time to time to prevent misuse and to perform system maintenance. District administrators or their designees may delete files that are not kept to a manageable storage level or are deemed inappropriate.

E. The use of the district’s computer technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges. USD 470 reserves the right to deny, revoke, suspend, or close any user account at any time, based upon its determination of inappropriate use by the account holder or user. Inappropriate use may also result in disciplinary or legal action up to and including, suspension, termination and/or criminal prosecution under appropriate local, state, and federal laws; and assessment of the cost of damages to hardware/software.

F. Content found on Internet resources may contain defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material. USD 470 does not condone the use of such information and will not knowingly permit usage in the school environment. Internet sites that are considered obscene, as defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code, child pornography, as defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code, or harmful to minors as defined in Kansas law (K.S.A. 21-4301) are inappropriate under any circumstances and access to those sites is restricted. Such restriction will be partially accomplished using a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access.

G. The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the access it is providing. The district will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, system maintenance, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's risk. The district denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information.

H. Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action; and assessment of the cost of damages to hardware/software. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the network. This includes, but it not limited to, uploading, creating or transmitting computer viruses.

I. The following standards are used as a general structure for community member access to electronic sources.

These members may be allowed to have a network user account created for their use. This account is made strictly for that member’s own use. The account name is linked directly to that community member for logging purposes on the network. The district Technology Coordinator strictly prohibits any use of this account by another user. Procedures are in place that will require the member to change passwords up to three times per year. The user also will be given the ability to change his/her password at any given time. These community members are allowed to have independent access to the Internet at work and are expected to abide by the normal rules of appropriateness.

J. Prior to use of school computers, computer networks, the Internet, and other online services accessed through district resources, each community member desiring to use such account(s) shall sign a Community Access Contract, specifying awareness of the restrictions of the district’s Acceptable Use Policy. Copies of the Community Access Contract are available at all open school sites.