The Board of Directors recognizes that the district is connected to a statewide communications system (the K-20 Network) which provides Internet access and interactive video conferencing. This network allows unprecedented opportunities for students, staff, and the educational community to communicate, learn, access, and publish information. The Board believes that the resources available through this network and the skills that students will develop in using it are of significant value in the learning process and student success in the future. These new opportunities also pose many new challenges including, but not limited to, access for all students, age-level appropriateness of material, conservation of resources, security/privacy/ confidentiality, and cost of maintaining the systems. The district will encourage the use of technology and endeavor to ensure that these concerns are appropriately addressed, but cannot ensure that problems will not arise.
By connecting to this network, the Board intends only to provide a means for educational activities, and does not intend to create a first amendment forum for free expression purposes. The district dedicates the property comprising the network, and grants access to it by users, only for the educational activities authorized under this policy and procedures, and under the procedures and specific limitations contained therein.
The Board directs the superintendent or designee to provide training and procedures that encourage the widest possible access to the K-20 network by students, staff, and the educational community, while establishing reasonable controls for the lawful, efficient and appropriate use and management of the system.
Cross References:
Curriculum Development and Adoption of Instructional Materials - Policy 2020
Copyright Compliance - Policy 2025
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying - Policy 3207
Student Records - Policy 3231
Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment -Policy 3241
Public Access to District Records - Policy 4040
Election Activities - Policy 4400
Disciplinary Action and Discharge -Policy 5281
Legal References:
Electronic Communication Privacy Act - 18 USC §§ 2510-2522
Protecting Children in the 21 Century Act - Pub. L. No. 110-385st
Management Resources:
Updates and Corrections - Policy News, October 2012
Federal Guidance Requires Changes to Electronic Resources Policy - Policy News, February 2012
Electronic Resources - Policy News, June 2008
Congress Requires Internet Blocking at School - Policy News, June 2001
Permission required to review e-mail - Policy News, August 1998
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: September 1996
Revised by the Board: 1.08
Classification: Priority