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 and implement a written District Technology Procedure (DTP). One 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 Board will financially support, as the budget permits, the DTP, including recommendations to provide new and developing technology for students and staff.

The DTP shall set forth procedures for the proper acquisition of technology. The DTP shall also provide 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 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety and Policy 7540.04 - Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety)

The District Administrator, in conjunction with the District Technology Specialist, shall review the DTP and report any changes, amendments, or revisions to the Board.

This policy, along with the Student and Staff Technology Acceptable Use and Safety policies, and the Student Code of Conduct, further govern 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 0100 - 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 cyberbullying. Social media does not include sending or receiving e-mail through the use of District-issued e-mail accounts.

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 7544 - Use of Social Media, 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 District-approved social media platforms/sites.

Staff must comply with Policy 7544 - Use of Social Media, 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 for personal purposes.

Revised 3/6/17
Revised 4/19/21
T.C. 10/16/23

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