Littleton Public Schools Policy

Policy Code   GBEE Policy Name   Staff Use of District Technology Adoption          April 8, 2004 Revised             June 18, 2009

The District provides computers, networks, and Internet access to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students, employees, and other users under the supervision of an employee.

The Internet is a vast collection of educational resources for staff and students and provides access to local, national, and international information sources, publishing, and collaboration systems vital to intellectual inquiry. The Internet is a valuable resource for promoting resource sharing, research innovation, communication, and opportunity for collaborative work.

The Board of Education supports computer, network, and Internet use by staff to improve teaching and learning through interpersonal communication, electronic communications with parents and students, access to information, research, training, and collaboration and dissemination of successful educational practices, methods, and materials.

It is impossible to control all materials on the Internet, and an industrious user may discover controversial information. The Board of Education firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet far outweigh the possibility that users may inadvertently access material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District.

The Board of Education directs the Superintendent to develop regulations and procedures for employee use of computers, networks, and the Internet. Such regulations and procedures should address, among other matters, issues of privacy, ethical use of information, illegal and/or unauthorized uses of computers, networks, and equipment, and other conditions of usage.

Use of these educational resources demands personal responsibility and an understanding of the acceptable use procedures for computers, networks, and Internet access. Use of District technology is a privilege, not a right. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using computers, networks, and the Internet. Failure to follow the regulations or procedures will result in the loss of the privilege to use these tools and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment.

Notice of Policy

The Superintendent will ensure that all District employees have notice of this policy and that each District employee is given an acknowledgement form to sign stating they have received and read the policy. The form will be maintained in the employee’s personnel file.

Legal Reference: 47 U.S.C. 201 et seq. (Communications Decency Act of 1995)

                           20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act—FERPA)

                           Public Law 104-191 104^th Congress (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)

Cross Reference:         EGAD, Copyright Compliance

                           EGAEA, Electronic Mail and Internet Services

                           GBL, Personnel Records

                           GCBC, Licensed Staff Benefits

                           GDBC, Classified Staff Benefits

                           JRA/JRC, Student Records/Release of Information on Students

                           JS, Student Use of the Internet