Boman, Frisk, Ochs - 554 Module 11

STAFF SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

A. Introduction
This school district supports the use of online social media to facilitate district programs,
departments, and school websites in building more successful peer, student, parent,
and community networks. These websites and services have become an integral part
of online activity. Social networks are a great way to stay connected, but you should be
wary about how much personal information you post. Social media tools may be used
by staff to support the instructional and learning environment. This document contains
the districts guidelines regarding the use of online social media.
B. Definition
Social media includes various online technology websites, tools, and services that
enable individuals, organizations, and communities to communicate easily over the
internet to share information and resources. These resources not only provide
information, but also allows for interaction and the exchange of information through
user-generated content. Social media can include text, audio, video, images, podcasts,
and other multimedia communications.
Examples of common social media websites include:

Twitter
Facebook
Google+
YouTube
Instagram
Flickr
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Blogs (Web Logs such as Blogger and WordPress)
Internal district sites such as SharePoint and Google Sites

Examples of social media posts and usage include:

Instant and direct messages

Mentions
Wall posts
Comments
Photos
Blog posts
Other file uploads
Web pages

C. Applicability

Boman, Frisk, Ochs - 554 Module 11

This policy applies to all district employees who utilize social media websites and
services during school hours, before school hours, and after school hours from personal
or district owned computing devices.
These guidelines are tailored primarily to social networking websites, but the guidelines
also apply to services such as texting and instant messaging. These guidelines also
apply to new social media websites and services developed after the publication date of
this policy. This policy requires staff members to act in a professional manner that does
not disrupt the school or learning environment at any time.
D. Authorization
District presence on any social media site, including school related accounts, such as
clubs, teams, field trips, course, or other sites associated with the district must be
authorized.
School-based social media: Any social media presence
directly affiliated with a school club, classroom, sports team, or other site
based entity must first be approved by a school administrator. As with any
school club, sport, or organization, an advisory must take the lead or
appoint a leader in this area. This person will be directly accountable for
anything posted on the site. It is recommended that a site administrator
also have administrative access to the account for supervisory purposes.
School-based social media accounts can share information about events,
calendars, and accomplishments, but it should not replace the official
school website.
District-based: Any social media presence directly affiliated
with the district level representation including the main district office,
booster groups, foundations, and other associated organizations must first
be approved by the superintendent or appointed administrator. The
person administering the site will be directly accountable for anything
posted on the site. It is recommended that a district administrator also
have administrative access to the account for liability purposes. The
district website remains the primary source of online record for the district.
E. Content
Content owners are responsible for monitoring and maintaining their official presence on
social media websites as follows:
Content must conform to all applicable state and
federal laws, as well as all district and administrative policies and
procedures.

Boman, Frisk, Ochs - 554 Module 11

Content must not violate copyright or intellectual

property laws and the content owner must secure the expressed consent
of all involved parties for the right to distribute or publish recordings,
photos, images, video, text, slideshow presentations, artwork or any other
materials.
Never mention students names or post student
images without proper permission. Before posting any photographs of
students, content owners shall review the list of students whose parents
have not consented to having their childs photograph taken or published.
No student photographs should be published for personal, promotional
use, or any other non-school related purpose. Whenever possible, use
photos of groups of students instead of individuals.
Content owners should request that a second person
review posts prior to publication. One person may catch issues that the
first set of eyes overlooked.
Post relevant, clear, and valuable content.
All postings and comments should be monitored and
responded to as necessary on a regular basis. Postings and comments of
an inappropriate nature or containing information unrelated to official or
district business should be deleted promptly. Such postings shall be
reported, investigated, and authors will be disciplined as appropriate.
Avoid posting entire pieces of student work.
Use of district logo or official images must be
approved by a district administrator supervising the website or service.
F. Personal and Professional Presence
When a district employee creates or uses a social media website or service, they do so
as a representative of the district.
Maintain separate personal and professional online
accounts. If a district employee utilizes a school-based social media page
(classroom, club, special project, etc), they should create an account
using their official district account (email address) and not a personal
account.
District accounts and email addresses should not be used to
create or post on social media websites for personal purposes.
Keep your personal information private. Utilize privacy
settings to ensure there are no anonymous posts and that only necessary
and applicable information is posted.
Staff should not friend or connect with current students on
personal social media accounts in order to maintain professional
boundaries with students and parents.
Conduct yourself in a positive and professional manner at all
times. Maintain appropriate boundaries in conduct and communication
with students, parents, and the community at all times.

Boman, Frisk, Ochs - 554 Module 11

Never post confidential information or disparaging comments

about students, co-workers, or the workplace.
G. Policy Violations and Disciplinary Action
Staff are subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for using social
media websites and services in any manner that is illegal or violates the terms of this or
other district policies. All district employees are required to report any inappropriate or
illegal behavior.
H. Policy Status
The Board and Superintendent will ensure all district employees are informed of this
policy and that it is available.
Last Update - April 24th, 2015.
Board approved - April 24th, 2015.