Policy 4226 – Staff Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Technology may be used for instruction, research, communication and other educational or professional purposes. Employee use of technology shall be consistent with the educational goals and objectives of the ��ϲʽ�� and shall comply with applicable Board policies and rules.

The ��ϲʽ�� will maintain a ��ϲʽ�� website and use social media for the purpose of collaborating, communicating and disseminating ��ϲʽ�� information. Content posted on the ��ϲʽ��’s website and social media pages is the property of the ��ϲʽ��.

The ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system, which includes telephones, copy/scan/fax machines, desktop computers, laptop computers, mobile devices, email and the network, is the property of the ��ϲʽ��. All messages, information and data sent, received or stored on the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system is the property of the ��ϲʽ��. The ��ϲʽ�� reserves the right to monitor employee and student use of technology and inspect any messages, information or data sent, received or stored on the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system.

Failure to comply with this policy and its implementing rule may result in discipline, up to and including termination.

LEGAL REF:

Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31 – 19.39 Declaration of policy
Wis. Stat. §§ 19.62 – 19.80 Definitions
Wis. Stat. § 115.31 License or permit revocation; reports; investigation
Wis. Stat. § 118.001 Duties and powers of school boards
Wis. Stat. § 120.12 School board duties
Wis. Stat. § 120.13 School board powers
Wis. Stat. § 943.70 Computer crimes
Wis. Stat. § 947.0125 Unlawful use of computerized communication systems
Children’s Internet Protection Act
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act

CROSS REF:

1210 Communicating with Parents/Guardians
1240 Access to Public Records
1510 Advertising/Promotions
3531.1 Copyrighted Materials
4111 Employee Harassment
4224 Employee Code of Ethics
4260 Personnel Records
4362 Employee Discipline
6100 Mission, Vision, Core Values and Strategic Goals
6470 Student Records
6633 Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Employee Handbook

AFFIRMED: July 20, 2010

REVISED:

March 22, 2016
September 24, 2019
October 27, 2020
August 22, 2023

Rule 4226 – Guidelines for Staff Technology Acceptable Use

For the purposes of this document, an electronic communications system is defined as the ��ϲʽ��’s technology offerings, including but not limited to telephones, mobile phones, fax/scan/copy machines, Internet, Wi-Fi, network, computing devices and other technology tools available to staff.

Responsibility: Employees are responsible for the proper use of any ��ϲʽ�� electronic communication accounts that are issued under their name or that the employee is charged with managing. Employees are responsible for ensuring proper use of technology by students under their supervision. Responsible use of the Internet includes such items as abiding by copyright laws and terms and condition policies. Understanding unethical and unlawful activities include unauthorized access to any data or communications equipment, “hacking”, or unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of anyone’s personal information. The administration shall take steps to ensure that instruction or training activities and reasonable structural and systemic supports are in place to facilitate and enforce individual user’s compliance with the ��ϲʽ��’s policies, rules, and procedures that govern the acceptable, safe, and responsible use of the ��ϲʽ��’s technology-related resources. All staff are to relinquish any and all ��ϲʽ�� owned devices upon separation from ��ϲʽ�� employment. Any shared media (i.e. Google files) that are the product of employment should have ownership and rights transferred to an assigned ��ϲʽ�� staff member prior to separation.
Passwords and security: All ��ϲʽ�� staff are required to protect and update their electronic access and credentials. All users that have access to ��ϲʽ�� technology resources must comply with the following rules for maintaining and securing ��ϲʽ�� property and resources.
- ��ϲʽ�� utilizes an email security campaign for educating staff with periodic phishing simulations and training resources. Staff that demonstrate a repeated concern from these tests will receive additional support and education.
- Employees are prohibited from sharing their password for any electronic communication accounts that are issued under their name. Employees may, however, share their password with a member of the support staff if necessary. In that case, the employee shall change his or her password immediately after the assigned staff member has completed all support.
- Employees must maintain a password for accounts and change passwords periodically as directed by the ��ϲʽ��.
- Any computer or similar device should be secured whenever it is not in use by invoking the password on the computer and/or logging off the device. Leaving a computer open or logged in while away enables others to potentially access e-mail and other sensitive files.
- All ��ϲʽ�� technology should be physically secured according to standards set by building administrators or their designees when not in use.
- Employees are prohibited from accessing another user’s account without permission. If an employee identifies a security problem associated with the network or his or her user account, the employee shall notify Technology support staff.
Privacy: All ��ϲʽ�� user accounts are owned by ��ϲʽ�� and therefore are not private. Passwords are for the purpose of preventing unauthorized access to the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system only; employees have no expectation of privacy when using the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system, even for personal use. The electronic communication system is the property of the ��ϲʽ��, and the ��ϲʽ�� reserves the right to monitor and inspect any messages, information and data sent, received or stored on the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system. Documents or messages created, sent, received or stored on the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic information system may be considered a public record and subject to disclosure under the Public Records Law. The administration may access any message for reasons including, but not limited to:
- finding lost messages/documents;
- assisting employees in their performance of job duties;
- studying the effectiveness of the communication system;
- complying with investigations into suspected criminal acts or violation of Board policies or work rules;
- recovering from systems failures and other emergencies;
- complying with discovery proceedings or to be used as evidence in legal actions; and/or may otherwise be required or permitted by state or federal law
Prohibited use of the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system: Employees’ use of the ��ϲʽ��’s Electronic Communication System must reflect the ��ϲʽ��’s standards for professionalism. The district’s computer network and Internet system do not serve as a public access service or a public forum. Employees shall not use the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system for:
- Accessing, sending, viewing or storing messages, images, websites or other materials which are sexually explicit, obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors;
- Soliciting for personal commercial activities or non-��ϲʽ�� related organizations or activities, unless approved by the ��ϲʽ�� pursuant to the procedures in Board Policy 1500;
- Accessing or disclosing confidential information without authorization. Any access to or disclosure of confidential student information must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Section 118.125 of the Wisconsin statutes and the ��ϲʽ��’s student records policy; or
- Any other purpose that would violate law or Board policy (including harassment policies).
Use of ��ϲʽ�� technology equipment off ��ϲʽ�� premises: Employees may use ��ϲʽ��-owned technology equipment off ��ϲʽ�� premises with appropriate administrator approval. Technology equipment may not be removed from a ��ϲʽ�� building if its removal in any way causes disruption to the learning environment or decreases access to technology for ��ϲʽ�� staff. Any technology assigned to staff for both on and off premises must be reflected in the ��ϲʽ�� Asset Manager system. A virtual private network (VPN) solution allows staff to work on their district assigned device outside of the ��ϲʽ�� network. This scenario ensures proper security and access to internal resources for job responsibilities. Staff that utilize a VPN will be filtered and protected as if they were physically operating behind the ��ϲʽ�� firewall. Employees who use ��ϲʽ�� equipment off ��ϲʽ�� premises will accept full and unconditional responsibility for any equipment damage or loss and will reimburse the ��ϲʽ�� within a reasonable time for the applicable repair/replacement cost. Further, the responsible party agrees to hold the ��ϲʽ�� harmless for damages caused to any individual or others by the use of this equipment.
Personal use of the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system: Incidental and occasional personal use of the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system is permitted, but such use is subject to this policy. Personal use of technology must be limited to break time and time outside the work day. Personal use must not interfere with student instruction, the performance of an employee’s job duties or ��ϲʽ�� business. Employees shall not use their ��ϲʽ�� email address for personal commercial purposes. The ��ϲʽ�� is not responsible for the safety or security of personal technology devices or the software on them that employees choose to bring into the ��ϲʽ��. The ��ϲʽ�� does not provide technology support for personal devices. Personal devices are prohibited from accessing ��ϲʽ�� internally supported networks.
Personal/off-duty use of social media and personal Web pages: Even if an employee is off-duty and not using the ��ϲʽ��’s electronic communication system, an employee’s personal use of technology or social media may be subject to this policy and regulated by the ��ϲʽ�� if: the employee chooses to identify himself/herself as a ��ϲʽ�� employee; the use affects the employee’s job performance or the performance of other ��ϲʽ�� employees or the use involves or relates to the ��ϲʽ��, ��ϲʽ�� students/families or ��ϲʽ�� employees. Unless authorized to do so by the superintendent or his/her designee, employees shall not: represent themselves as a spokesperson for the ��ϲʽ�� or create or post content to a personal/non-authorized website that purports to be an official/authorized website of the ��ϲʽ��. Employees shall not use their ��ϲʽ�� email address to register for a personal social media account and shall not post photos of students or other personally identifiable confidential student information on personal pages and/or sites without the written consent of the adult student or the minor student’s parent/guardian.
Electronic communication with students: Employees shall use their ��ϲʽ�� email address(es) when communicating with students. Unless authorized to do so by the superintendent or his/her designee, employees shall not communicate with students via their personal email addresses, social media accounts, home phones, cellphones or other application not authorized by the ��ϲʽ�� for communication with students. Employees also should use discretion when communicating with parents on social media (e.g., accepting “friend” or “follower” requests). Staff have ��ϲʽ�� approved communication options for authorized use. Staff provided email addresses and resources should be used as the communication portal for interacting virtually with students. Guidance, training and support for currently available technologies and future utilities will be shared and integrated when possible.
Personally identifiable information relating to individual students or their families, except as permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Section 118.125 of the Wisconsin statutes, and the ��ϲʽ��’s student records Policy 6470. Elementary (4K-5) students only may be identified by their first name and last initial. Note: Regardless of age, photos, videos, names, artwork or other likenesses cannot be used if a student has a media restriction on file. Email addresses of students and their family members shall not be posted or shared.
The ��ϲʽ��’s website/social media pages: The superintendent or his/her designee reserve the right to approve content posted on the ��ϲʽ��’s website and social media pages. All school-level Web editors must communicate with the ��ϲʽ�� Web Specialist for information and assistance. The editors are responsible for ensuring accurate information is shared by maintaining the website and requesting updates be made by the Web Specialist. The social media administrators are responsible for ensuring accurate and timely information is shared/posted. The following content shall not be posted or shared on the ��ϲʽ��’s website or social media pages:
- Content that is sexually explicit, obscene, pornographic or depicts alcohol, drug or tobacco use.
- Copyrighted material without the written consent from the owner and proper attribution.
- Any photos, videos, names, artwork or other likenesses of students with a media restriction on file.
- Links to personal or commercial websites.
- Content that violates Board policy or rules.
The staff directed use of digital applications: Educators need to be aware of how data privacy, confidentiality and security practices affect students. When engaging with online educational service providers, educators must review the privacy policies prior to having students create accounts in selected applications. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) governs online collection of personal information from children under age 13. Educators can act in the capacity of a parent to provide consent to sign students up for online education programs that are COPPA compliant at the school for the use and benefit of the school, and for no other commercial purpose.
Areas of Expected Privacy
- Students, school employees and other persons present on school property shall respect and protect the privacy interests of individuals who are using a locker room, restroom or other designated changing area. Students or employees who violate this policy, or any related rules or directives, shall be subject to school disciplinary action and possible legal referral. Other persons violating this policy may lose the privilege of using ��ϲʽ�� facilities, may be referred to law enforcement and/or may be subject to penalties provided under applicable law.
- In keeping with the ��ϲʽ��’s objective of taking reasonable measures to protect the privacy interests of persons who are using a locker room, restroom or other changing area for an authorized purpose, all persons present on school property shall, at a minimum, observe the following measures:
  - The use of recording and other electronic devices is substantially restricted in locker rooms, restrooms and other designated changing areas.
  - No person may use a camera, video recorder, cell phone or any other device with recording capabilities at any time to capture, record, transmit or transfer an image or representation of an undressed or partially undressed person who is in any locker room, restroom or other designated changing area.
  - No recording function (photographic, video, audio) of any type of device may be used in any non-emergency situation in such facilities at any time unless (1) the individual has received the prior permission of the ��ϲʽ�� Administrator, building principal, or other ��ϲʽ��-designated facility supervisor; and (2) any person being recorded has consented to the recording. Such permission shall not be exercised when persons who are present in the facilities are actively using the area as a changing area, shower facility and/or restroom.
- In order to avoid any appearance of a violation of privacy or other impropriety, individuals present in such facilities are expected to restrict their use of the non-recording functions of any communications device or other multi-function device to (1) emergencies; or (2) situations where they have received the prior permission of the ��ϲʽ�� Administrator, building principal, or other ��ϲʽ��-designated facility supervisor. That is, with these limited exceptions, voice calls, texting, etc. should not be occurring in such facilities.
- No person shall view or attempt to view from any concealed location, or in an otherwise secret or hidden manner, an undressed or partially undressed person who is using a locker room, restroom or other changing area.
- Loitering in a locker room, restroom or other designated changing area is prohibited.
- No media is allowed access to locker rooms before, during or after any school athletic event or practice. Coaches and student athletes may be available for interviews outside the locker rooms, consistent with ��ϲʽ�� policy and school rules.
- When ��ϲʽ�� employees or other ��ϲʽ��-designated individuals enter a locker room, restroom or other designated changing area in order to exercise their supervisory responsibilities (including any exchange of information with persons using the locker room), they shall exhibit due regard for the privacy of the individuals who may be using such facilities, including recognizing that the relevant privacy interests are heightened when an individual has a supervisory need to enter a facility designated for use by persons of the opposite sex.
- Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to prohibit coaches and other athletic-team personnel from being present in a locker room, whether of same sex or of the opposite sex, in circumstances where the presence of such individuals would not compromise the privacy interests of student athletes or other persons who may be using the facility, such as during pre/post-game team meetings, halftime meetings, or other similar circumstances.

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Rule 4226 – Guidelines for Staff Technology Acceptable Use

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