416 - Social Media

The Webster City Community School District recognizes the growing importance of social media as a means of communication, including the use for personal and educational purposes, and acknowledges that its employees have the right under the First Amendment to speak out on matters of public concern.  In certain circumstances the District encourages the appropriate use of social media as a means to communicate, whether as an individual or as a school or related program if such use would be helpful in reaching out to the district’s various constituencies.

However, the District has a right to regulate the speech of employees in specific circumstances.  Accordingly, it is essential that employees conduct themselves in such a way that their personal and/or educational use of social media does not adversely affect their position with the district.

The District expects its employees to model responsible and appropriate conduct, both at school and away from school.  Employees’ use of social media forms, including social networking websites, personal web pages or blogs and electronic messaging are subject to the normal requirements of legal and ethical behavior within the District community.  Employees should be guided by applicable laws, District policies, and the sound professional judgment when using social media.

This policy and the related administrative regulations shall cover all forms of social media, now and hereafter existing, not just those which may be specifically listed.

 

 

Approved:    August 2016