The board sees the value in promoting the excellent work and accomplishments of the district’s
students and staff. Social media is one of many effective communication tools that the district may
utilize. Board members have been publicly elected to govern the district and accept a fiduciary
responsibility. That responsibility means board members agree to always act in the best interests of
the district. For this reason, the board shall expect that individual communications and social media
posts made by board members will reflect the values and decorum expected of elected officials in the
school community.
All board members enjoy rights to freedom of speech under both the U.S. and Iowa Constitutions. As
such, the district will not limit protected speech of any board members. Certain categories of speech
are not protected and may be subject to regulation. Additionally, board members should be aware
that protected speech can still subject individuals to legal liability. Only the Board President is
designated as official spokesperson authorized to speak on behalf of the board. Any postings by board
members about district related matters on their individual social media accounts shall not be
considered official action of the district. Official statements of the district shall be made only on
district social media accounts through the designated spokespersons of the district or the entire board
speaking as a governing body.
The board as a whole and individual board members in their governance role have legal obligations to
safeguard the privacy of information related to student and employee matters. Board members will
refrain from posting or communicating on social media in a way that violates the district’s obligation
to protect the privacy of its students and employees.
Board members are uniquely positioned in the school community to be both accessible and
responsive to community concerns about the effective governance of the district. As a result, the
board will remember their obligations to safeguard student and employee privacy when responding
to any social media posts or communications, even if the response is intended to correct information
for the rest of the school community. Board members will direct concerned individuals to the
appropriate district staff to address their inquiry or complaint in accordance with board policy.
Legal Reference:
U.S. Const. Amend. I
Iowa Const. Art. I, sec. 7 Lindke v. Freed, 601 U.S. (2024)
20 U.S.C. 1417(c)
34 C.F.R. 99.3
Iowa Code §§ 21; 22
I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code § 21 Open Meetings
Iowa Code § 22 Open Records
U.S.C. – United States Code Description
20 U.S.C. 1417(c) Administration – Confidentiality
C.F.R. – Code of Federal Regulations Description
34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 Education – Family Rights and Privacy
U.S. Supreme Court Description
601 Lindke v Freed (2024)
U.S. Constitution Description
U.S. Constitution Amend. 1
Iowa Constitution Description
Iowa Constitution Art. I, Sec. 7
Cross References
Code Description
200.03 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
902.01 News Media Relations
Approved: July 15, 2024
Reviewed: July 15, 2024
Revised: