7540 - TECHNOLOGY
The Board is committed to the effective use of technology to both enhance the quality of student learning and the efficiency of District operations.
Students' use of District technology resources (see definition in Bylaw 0100 - Definitions) is a privilege, not a right. Students and their parents must comply with Policy 7540.03 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety.
The District Administrator shall develop, recommend for approval by the Board, and implement a written District Technology Procedure (DTP). One (1) of the primary purposes of the DTP is to evaluate new and emerging technologies and how they will play a role in student achievement and success and/or efficient and effective District operations. The DTP shall set forth procedures for the proper acquisition of technology, guidance to staff and students concerning making safe, appropriate and ethical use of District technology resources, 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 illegal or unethical manner. See Policy 7540.03 and AG 7540.03 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety, and Policy 7540.04 and AG 7540.04 - Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety)
The District Administrator, in conjunction with the IT Director, shall review the DTP and report any changes, amendments, or revisions to the Board regularly.
This policy, along with the Student and Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety policies, and the Student Code of Conduct, further governs students’ and staff members’ use of their personal communication devices (see Policy 5136 - Personal Communication Devices and Policy 7530.02 - Staff and School Officials Use of Personal Communication Devices). Users have no right or expectation of privacy when using District technology resources (including, but not limited to, privacy in the content of their personal files, e-mails, and records of their online activity when using the District’s computer network and/or Internet connection).
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, which is defined in Bylaw 100 - Definitions, 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 Board policy, and learning appropriate responses if they experience of cyberbullying. Social media does not include sending or receiving e-mail through the use of District-issued e-mail accounts.
Equipment Security and Retention Procedures
The District invests significant resources in making current technology available for staff and students. Individual usage of devices that are not in a fixed location must be in accordance with these guidelines. The term "device" for purposes of this guideline includes District-owned computers, tablets, smart devices, and any other hardware or software systems or equipment owned or leased by the District.
- Identification:
- A label with the District's name and an identification number will be placed on each device owned by the District.
- Records of the identification number, serial number, model, etc. for each device shall be maintained by the IT Director.
- Records on each piece of software and software license, organized by title and course or program, shall be maintained by the IT Director.
- District devices are assigned, identified, and tracked through an online management system.
- Use of District-owned Devices:
All devices to be used either in the District or off-school premises shall be checked out through the IT Director.
The person making the request is responsible for the condition of the device until checked back in.
No device may be used to access any material that is prohibited by the District's technology usage policies, Policy 7540.03 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety and Policy 7540.04 - Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety. Devices may not be used to access content that is unlawful or potentially harmful to the device and may never be used to access any "darkweb" content. Specifically, use of devices to access material that poses a risk of introducing viruses, malware, or other destructive content is strictly prohibited. Users are responsible for replacing devices that are inoperable due to the introduction of such malicious content while in the user's possession. - Requests for Personal Use:
Personal use of devices by students and staff, shall be in accordance with Policy 7530 - Lending of District-Owned Equipment.
Additionally, a device shall not be used to access any material that is prohibited by the District's technology usage policies. (See Policy 7540.03 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety and Policy 7540.04 - Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety)
If allowed for personal use, devices may not be used to access content that is unlawful or potentially harmful to the device and may never be used to access any "darkweb" content. Specifically, use of devices to access material that poses a risk of introducing viruses, malware, or other destructive content is strictly prohibited. Users are responsible for replacing devices that are inoperable due to the introduction of such malicious content while in the user's possession.
No business use shall be made of any borrowed devices. Software shall not be used in violation of any licensing agreement, nor shall it be copied.
No software or other applications may be downloaded onto any device except by the District's Information Technology Director and only as authorized by the District Administrator.
Users will be responsible for arranging safe transportation and housing for use off school premises. - Staff Services:
Media staff will instruct the user on the correct operation of devices. Media staff may assist other staff members in obtaining materials for instructional use by recording and/or copying within copyright guidelines. - Equipment Inventory and Repair:
All devices will be inventoried pursuant to Policy 7450 - Property Inventory.
If a piece of equipment requires repair, it will be sent to the IT Director. - Report of Loss:
If any device is lost, the Principal and the IT Director shall be notified. The Principal may notify the police if deemed appropriate.
Staff use of District-approved social media platforms/sites shall be consistent with Policy 7544 - Use of Social Media.
Students must comply with Policy 7540.03 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety and Policy 5136 - Personal Communication Devices when using District technology resources to access and/or use District-approved social media platforms/sites.
Similarly, staff must comply with Policy 7540.04 - Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety and Policy 7530.02 - Staff and School Officials Use of Personal Communication Devices when using District technology resources to access and/or use social media.
However, personal access and use of social media, blogs, or chat rooms from the District’s network is expressly prohibited and shall subject students to discipline in accordance with Board policy.
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 District Administrator.
Revised 5/17/17
Revised 12/18/19
Revised 3/22/23
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