By using District‐supplied information technology facilities and resources, all users agree to abide by all policies and procedures adopted by the District as well as all current federal, state, and local laws. In the event of violation of any of these policies, procedures or laws and regulations, current District disciplinary policies and any other of its practices and policies will be followed, including those regulating the provision of information to law enforcement authorities.
- Appropriate Use
- The use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the District educational objectives. Use of other organizations’ networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for those networks. Access to, or transmission of, any material in violation of District policy, rules, regulations, or local, state, or federal laws and regulations are prohibited. Use for commercial activities, product advertisement, or political lobbying is prohibited.
- The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of Board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may not engage in online gaming, download music, software or games, use online radio or video services, engage in instant messaging or chat rooms, etc. These activities unnecessarily tax the network bandwidth and our computer hard drive space.
- Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material that is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd.
- If an employee or student gains access to a service that has a cost involved, the individual making that access will be held responsible for the costs.
- Electronic mail (e‐mail)
- All electronic mail (e‐mail) will be handled through staff accounts. E‐mail is not guaranteed to be private. The Technology Coordinator will have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities, including but not limited to threats, harassment and fraud, may be reported to the authorities.
- E‐mail cannot be used for political purposes, religious purposes, private purposes, or for commercial offerings of products or services for sale, or to solicit products or services.
- Citizens who write to the district via e‐mail should be aware that their letters could be open for examination and copying by others due to Iowa’s Public Records Law. Most incoming and outgoing e‐mail at a public institution constitutes a public record.
- Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Employees and students may not use an individual’s account without permission from that individual. Attempts to logon to the Internet or network as a system operator will result in permanent cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the district’s computer resources.
- Vandalism is a serious breach of the privilege of Internet and network use, and may result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software, or data. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or breaching security measures. Students and employees will be responsible for replacing any damaged equipment.
- Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of Information resources, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including discharge.
- School District Responsibilities
- The authority for appropriate use of information resources is delegated to District employees.
- Access to information resources is available to employees and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
- Instruction in the proper use of Information resources will be available to employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
- The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the information or services provided through the network.
- The District will not be responsible for any damages to data or damages that result from service interruptions.
- Student Violations – Consequences and Appeal Process
- Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Failure to abide by local, federal, and state laws and regulations, or by District policy and administrative regulations governing use of these resources may result in the suspension and/or revocation of system access for a period of up to one year. Additionally, any student violation may result in discipline up to and including expulsion. Employee violations may also result in discipline up to and including dismissal.
- Students may request reinstatement of privileges within 7 days of suspension or termination. This request must be in writing and delivered to the building principal. The request will be reviewed by that principal and the Technology Coordinator, who will reply to the request within seven days of receipt. All privileges will be suspended during the appeal process.
- If the decision does not meet with the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal the decision, in writing, to the superintendent. The superintendent will reply to the request within seven days.
- If the decision of the Superintendent does not meet with the student’s satisfaction, the student may appeal, in writing, to the Board. The Board will discuss the request at their next scheduled meeting and reply to the student.
- Additional Site PoliciesIndividual sites within the District may define conditions of use for facilities under their control. These must be consistent with this overall statement but may provide additional detail, guidelines and/or restrictions. Sites may require students to display an Internet Pass when using online resources. In addition, any network traffic exiting the District is subject to the appropriate use policies of the District’s national and international network connectivity providers.