PROGRAM
2361    
Acceptable Use of Computer  
Network/Computers and Resources
Adopted Jun 96
Revised Jun 01

The Board recognized that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift the manner in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred that those changes will alter the nature of teaching and learning. Access to telecommunications will allow pupils to explore databases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin boards and the like while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world. The Board supports access by pupils to information sources but reserves the right to limit in-school use to materials appropriate for educational purposes. The board directs the Superintendent to effect training of teaching staff members in skills appropriate to analyzing and evaluating such resources as to appropriateness for educational purposes.

The Board also recognizes that telecommunications will allow pupils access to information sources that have not been pre-screened by educators using Board approved standards. The Board will employ and enforce a policy of Internet safety that includes the use of filtering and blocking technology. The Board therefore adopts the following standards of conduct for the use of computer networks and declares unethical, unacceptable or illegal behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, limiting or revoking network access privileges and/or instituting legal action.

The Board provides access to computer network/computers for educational purposes only. The Board retains the right to restrict or terminate pupil access to the computer network/computers at any time, for any reason. The board retains the right to have district personnel monitor network activity in any form necessary, to maintain the integrity of the network and insure its proper use.

Standards for the use of computer networks

Any individual engaging the following actions when using computer networks/computers shall be subject to discipline or legal action:

1. Using the computer network(s)/computers for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities. Illegal activities are defined as activities, which violate federal, state, local laws and regulations. Inappropriate activities are defined as those that violate the intended use of the network. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of publicly owned and operated communication vehicles.
2. Using the computer network(s)/computers to violate copyrights, institutional or third party copyrights, license agreements or other contracts.
3. Using the computer network(s) in a manner that:
   1. Intentionally disrupts network traffic or crashes the network;
   2. Degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance;
   3. Uses the computing resources of the school district for commercial purposes, financial gain or fraud;
   4. Steals data or other intellectual property;
   5. Gains or seeks unauthorized access to the files of others or vandalizes the data of another user;
   6. Gains or seeks unauthorized access to resources or entitles;
   7. Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned by others;
   8. Invades privacy of others;
   9. Posts anonymous messages;
   10. Possesses any data which is a violation of this policy; and/or
   11. Engages in other activities that do not advance the educational purposes for which computer network/computers are provided.

Consent Requirement

Pupils shall be allowed to use the computer network and the Internet unless the parent(s) or guardian(s) has signed and filed a waiver form with the Principal against the use of computer networks or the Internet.

Violations

Individuals violating this policy shall be subject to the consequences as indicated in Regulation 2361 and other appropriate discipline, which includes but are not limited to:

1. Use of the network only under direct supervision;
2. Suspension of network privileges;
3. Revocation of network privileges;
4. Suspension of computer privileges;
5. Revocation of computer privileges;
6. Suspension from school;
7. Expulsion of from school and/or
8. Legal action and prosecution by the authorities.