DISTRICT–SPONSORED SOCIAL MEDIA

The School Board recognizes the value of technology such as social media platforms in promoting community involvement and collaboration. The purpose of any official district social media platform shall be to further the district’s vision and mission, support student learning and staff professional development, and enhance communication with students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members.

(cf. 0000 – Concepts and Roles)
(cf. 1100 – Communication with the Public)
(cf. 1112 – Media Relations)
(cf. 4170/4270/4370 – District Issued Portable Technology)
(cf. 6020 – Parent Involvement)
(cf. 6145.5 – Student Organizations and Equal Access)
(cf. 6161.5 – Web Sites/Pages) 

The Superintendent or designee shall develop content guidelines and protocols for official district social media platforms to ensure the appropriate and responsible use of these resources and compliance with law, Board policy, and regulation.

Guidelines for Content

Official district social media platforms shall be used only for their stated purposes and in a manner consistent with this policy and administrative regulation.  By creating these official sites and allowing for public comment, the Board does not intend to create a limited public forum or otherwise guarantee an individual’s right to free speech.

(cf. 5145.2 – Freedom of Speech/Expression)
(cf. 6145.5 – Student Organizations and Equal Access)

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the limited purpose of the official district social media platforms is clearly communicated to users.  Each site shall contain a statement that specifies the site’s purposes, along with a statement that users are expected to use the site only for those purposes.  Each site shall also contain a statement that users are personally responsible for the content of their posts.

 Official district social media platforms may not contain content that is obscene, libelous, or so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises, violation of school rules, or substantial disruption of the school’s orderly operation.

 (cf. 5131 – Conduct) 

Staff or students who post prohibited content shall be subject to discipline in accordance with district policies and administrative regulations.

(cf. 4118 – Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 4119.21/4219.21/4319.21 – Code of Ethics)
(cf. 4170/4270/4370 – District Issued Portable Technology
(cf. 4218 – Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 5144 – Discipline)
(cf. 5144.1 – Suspension and Expulsion)
(cf. 6161.4 – Internet)

 Users of official district social media platforms should be aware of the public nature and accessibility of social media and that information posted may be considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act. The Board expects users to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and professional manner.

(cf. 1340 – Access to District Records)
(cf. 9012 – Communications to and from the School Board)

Privacy

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the privacy rights of students, parents/guardians, staff, Board members, and other individuals are protected on official district social media platforms.

(cf. 5125.1 – Release of Directory Information)

Social media and networking sites and other online platforms shall not be used by district employees to transmit confidential information about students, employees, or district operations.

(cf. 4119.23/4219.23/4319.23 – Unauthorized Release of Confidential Information)
(cf. 5145.15 – Student and Family Privacy Rights)
(cf. 5125 – Student Records)

Legal Reference:

UNITED STATES CODE
Federal copyright law, 17 U.S.C. 101–1101 
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g
Employee rights to engage in concerted, protected activity, 29 U.S.C. 157
Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; accessibility to federal web sites, 29 U.S.C. 794

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34
34 C.F.R. 99.1–99.67  Family Educational Rights and Privacy

KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Adoption Date: 3/13/2013
Reviewed (Policy Committee): March 17, 2021