522.71

STAFF USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The School Board encourages the District’s staff to make use of internet tools and applications (such as social networks, blogs, wikis, internet-based multimedia applications, collaboration tools, and advanced learning management applications) for (1) engaging in professional development and professional collaboration activities; and (2) enhancing student learning and instruction, provided that the use of such tools and applications is consistent with this policy and with such other requirements and expectations as may be established by the Board, the District Administrator, or the District Administrator’s designee.

Guiding Principles

• Any time a staff member is participating in a technology-facilitated communication, collaboration, exercise, or other activity in connection with their responsibilities as a school district employee, the employee is expected to conduct him/herself in a courteous and professional manner that is consistent with the District’s general rules and expectations for appropriate workplace conduct and acceptable use of technology.
• Maintaining professional boundaries in all forms of technology-facilitated communication with students and families—including but not limited to the consistent use of a formal, courteous, and professional tone and limiting such communication to exchanges that are within the scope of the employee’s job responsibilities—is vital to maintaining appropriate professional relationships with students and families and to maintaining the community’s trust in the schools.
• All District-provided or District-authorized technology tools and applications are provided to further the mission, vision, goals, and policies of the District; and, as such, they remain under the ultimate control of the Board and District administration at all times.
• When such tools and applications are used in connection with student learning, they shall be considered an extension of the District’s educational curriculum. Employees shall use such tools and applications in connection with and to accomplish their assigned duties and responsibilities, and not as a forum for self-directed personal expression. Employees shall not have an expectation of privacy in connection with their use of any District-related form of electronic media.

Off-Duty Conduct and Social Media Use

• When “off duty” or when otherwise using technology resources in their private capacities away from the District, employees are held to the same standards in their public use of electronic media (including but not limited to social media) as they are held to in connection with their other off-duty, public conduct.
• Where there is a sufficient connection between off-duty conduct and an employee’s work-related role and responsibilities, there can be employment-related consequences for off-duty conduct that violates the law, that violates District policy or other work directives, that is harmful to persons in the school community, or that otherwise interferes with the employee’s ability to effectively perform his/her job duties.
• Each employee is responsible for all content appearing on all personal websites and social media accounts maintained or controlled by the employee and for establishing and monitoring privacy settings on any personal websites and other electronic accounts that are appropriate for the nature of content provided therein.

Potential Disciplinary Actions

Violations of this policy or any related Board policies may result in consequences consistent with District employee handbooks and disciplinary procedures, including restriction or revocation of technology privileges, corrective action, or disciplinary action up to and including termination. When appropriate, the District may also refer matters to law enforcement.

 

Cross References:

Responsible, Acceptable, and Safe Use for Technology Resources, 363 
Internet Safety Policy (CIPA), 363.2
Student Use of Personal Electronic Communication Devices, 443.5
Staff Use of Information Technology and Communication Resources, 522.7 & Rule
Employee Use of Mobile Phones and Other Data Devices, 522.72

 

---

Adoption Date: December 8, 2025

 

 

522.71-Rule
 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

Administrators and supervisors should not engage in social media relationships (e.g., "friending" or following) with subordinates, except in professional or educational capacities that align with District policies.

Use of Internet Tools and Applications for Professional Development and Collaboration

Employees who participate in technology-facilitated professional development or professional collaboration activities that are not connected to a specific intra-District initiative during their work hours shall ensure that they are doing so after pre-approval of their supervisor.

No employee shall identify themselves as representing the school, department, School Board, or the District as a whole in any technology-facilitated activity unless they have been expressly assigned that role by their supervisor.

At all times, employees shall follow District policy and state and federal legal requirements regarding student privacy and confidentiality in connection with their participation in any technology-facilitated professional development or professional collaboration activities.

Use of Internet Tools and Applications to Communicate with Students

The District Administrator or their designee shall ensure that information is available to appropriate staff concerning all District-approved electronic tools and resources for instructional and supervisory purposes.

• Permitted Communication Platforms:
  • Official District web pages and learning management systems
  • Teacher-monitored collaboration software or applications
  • Applications that replicate social media features but are controlled by the District
• Prohibited Activities:
  • Establishing a personal website or social media account for school-related purposes without District approval
  • Communicating with students via personal social media accounts or personal email addresses
  • Accepting or initiating friend requests from students on personal social media accounts
  • Using text messaging or chat features with students unless:
    • It is through a District-approved platform with logged messages
    • The communication is required for supervision at off-campus events and is documented
    • It is part of a class activity where responses are recorded
• Student Privacy & Content Management:
  • Staff must monitor student-generated content when using electronic resources
  • Teachers must provide alternative participation options when requiring online content posting
  • No student under age 13 shall be directed to submit personal information on third-party sites not controlled by the District

Exceptions

Employees may engage in otherwise restricted communication with students:

• For Health & Safety Emergencies: Employees may communicate as necessary, but must immediately report the nature of the exchange to an administrator
• Pre-existing Personal Relationships: If a staff member has a legitimate social or family connection with a student (e.g., relative, close family friend, civic group participation), interactions outside of school-related contexts are permitted

Potential Disciplinary Actions

Violations of this policy or any related Board policies may result in consequences consistent with District employee handbooks and disciplinary procedures, including restriction or revocation of technology privileges, corrective action, or disciplinary action up to and including termination. When appropriate, the District may also refer matters to law enforcement.

 

 

Cross References:

Responsible, Acceptable, and Safe Use for Technology Resources, 363 
Internet Safety Policy (CIPA), 363.2
Student Use of Personal Electronic Communication Devices, 443.5
Staff Use of Information Technology and Communication Resources, 522.7 & Rule
Employee Use of Mobile Phones and Other Data Devices, 522.72

---

Adoption Date: December 8, 2025