NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

ag9120CAdopted April 19, 2021

9120C - NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS

The Superintendent will function as the District's communication representative with the news media. In order to maintain a progressive and coordinated program of public relations for the District, it is essential that:

  1. staff members not give school information or an interview requested by representatives of the news media without prior approval of the superintendent who will either set up an appointment for this purpose which will not interfere with the staff member's daily activities, or speak to the media representative about the matter personally;
  2. anyone given permission to photograph a nonpublic school event or activity must submit the photographs to principal for approval prior to their use in order to avoid possible invasion of privacy problems;
  3. in cases where there is doubt with regard to taste or privacy, but where it is felt that the publishing of the photograph serves a purpose which is in the best interests of the District, the principal will not authorize the use of the photograph without first obtaining a release from the individual(s) concerned or their parent or guardian;
  4. students are not permitted to provide information about school activities or an interview to representatives of the news media without prior approval of the principal who is to be present at all such meetings with news media representatives.

The District and each school's communications representative shall:

  1. provide media representatives upon their request with all facts that give a true picture to the best of his/her knowledge;

    requesting, at the same time, that they not publish or broadcast any facts which are injurious to District personnel or students, or which would serve no constructive purpose;
  2. submit, suggest or request feature stories or articles to media representatives which are of interest or importance;
  3. provide an agenda and other "background" material to media representatives who attend meetings of the Board;
  4. assist various school-related groups in their relations with the news media;
  5. protect school personnel from any unnecessary demands on their time by news media representatives.

© Neola 2009