7540 - TECHNOLOGY

The Board of Education 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 technology resources (see definition in Bylaw 0100) is a privilege not a right. Students and their parents must sign and submit a Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety form annually. (See also, Policy 7540.03)

The District Administrator shall develop and implement a written District Technology Procedure (DTP). The DTP will provide for both the acquisition of technology, and guidance to staff and students concerning making safe, appropriate and ethical use of the District’s network(s). The DTP shall also 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.

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 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 District policy, and learning appropriate responses if they are victims of cyberbullying.

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 equipmentowned or leased by the District.

1. Identification:
    
   1. A label with the District's name and an identification number will be placed on each device owned by the District.
   2. Records of the identification number, serial number, model, etc. for each device shall be maintained in the Destiny Inventory Manager.
   3. District devices are assigned, identified, and tracked through an online management system.
2. 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 Department.  Devices may not be used for the purpose of copying materials in violation of copyright laws.
   
   The person approving 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.
3. 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'sInformation Technology Directorand only as authorized by the District Administrator.
   
   Users will be responsible for arranging safe transportation and housing for use off school premises.
4. Staff Services:
   
   IT staff will instruct the user on the correct operation of devices.   IT staff may assist other staff members in obtaining materials for instructional use by recording and/or copying within copyright guidelines.
5. 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 Department.
6. 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.

Social media shall be defined as internet-based applications (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, etc.) that turn communication into interactive dialogue between users. The Board authorizes the instructional staff to access social media from the District’s network, provided such access has an educational purpose for which the instructional staff member has the prior approval of the principal.

However, personal access and use of social media, blogs, or chat rooms from the District’s network is expressly prohibited and shall subject students and staff members 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.

The District Administrator shall annually review the DTP to determine the effectiveness of the plan in meeting its objectives. A yearly report on the DTP and any changes, amendments, or revisions to it shall be presented by the District Administrator for action by the Board each year.

Revised 4/25/11
Revised 11/20/23

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