The Derry School Board has unanimously approved a computer use policy for adult workers in the district that is geared to keeping them as safe as the children they look after.
The policy, Policy GBEF, was reviewed and accepted at the Aug. 27 School Board meeting. It was hammered out with the Policy Committee and Technology Director Ray Larose, superintendent Laura Nelson said.
The policy includes the following guidelines:
• Derry Cooperative School District network is intended for educational purposes.
• All activity over the network or using district technologies may be monitored and retained.
• Access to online content via the network may be restricted in accordance with our policies and federal regulations, such as the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
• Misuse of school resources can result in disciplinary action.
The policy applies to school-owned technology equipment using the DCSD (Derry Cooperative School District) network, the DCSD Internet connection, and/or private networks/Internet connections accessed from school-owned devices at any time, and also privately-owned devices accessing the DCSD network.
The document further states, “All technologies provided by the district are intended for education purposes.”
The policy contains guidelines for personal safety, warning that staff should “carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and others.”
While the policy lists “Internet access, desktop computers, mobile computers or devices, videoconferencing capabilities, online collaboration capabilities, message boards, e-mail and more,” it also states, “As new technologies emerge, the DCSD will attempt to provide access to them. The policies outlined in this document are intended to cover all technologies, not just those specifically listed.”
Violations of the policy will bring disciplinary consequences including verbal or written warnings, restriction or revocation of access, removal, being reported to outside authorities and the police, financial restitution or employment termination.
