Use of District Computers and Devices/Privacy Rights

District issued computer systems and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, Smartboards, iPads, iTouches, iPhones, eReaders, and eBooks) are for educational and professional use only.  All information created by staff or stored thereon shall be considered district property and shall be subject to unannounced monitoring by district administrators.  Unauthorized access to and/or unauthorized use of the district server or security system (including, but not limited to, surveillance footage) is also prohibited.  The district retains the right to discipline any student, up to and including expulsion, and any employee, up to and including termination, for violation of this policy.

Copyright

Software acquired by staff, using either district or personal funds, and installed on district computers or electronic devices must comply with copyright laws.  Proof of purchase (copy or original) for software must be filed in the district office.

Installation

No software, including freeware and shareware, or other applications may be installed on any district computer or electronic device until cleared by the network administrator.  The administrator will verify the compatibility of the software or application with existing software, hardware, and applications and prescribe installation and de-installation procedures.  Program files must have the superintendent’s approval to be installed on any district server or computer. 

Hardware

Staff shall not install unapproved hardware on district computers or make changes to software settings that support district hardware.

Audits

The administration may conduct periodic audits of software and applications installed on district equipment to verify legitimate use.

E-mail Privacy Rights

Employees and/or students shall have no expectation of privacy when using district e-mail or other official communication systems.  Any e-mail or computer application or information in district computers, computer systems, or electronic devices is subject to monitoring by the administration.

Ownership of Employee Computer and Device Materials

Computer materials, devices, software, or applications created as part of any assigned district responsibility or classroom activity undertaken on school time shall be the property of the board.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Computers and/or Equipment

Students and staff members shall be responsible for reimbursing the district for replacement of or repair to district issued computers or electronic devices which are lost, stolen, or damaged while in the students' or staff members' possession.