Policy Glen Ridge Board of Education

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2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computers and Resources

Purpose

It is the purpose of this policy to provide guidance relating to responsible use of the district’s electronic information systems.

General

The Glen Ridge Public Schools strive to maintain access for its faculty, staff, students, administrators and Board of Education to local, national and international sources of information and to provide an atmosphere that encourages sharing of knowledge, the creative process and collaborative efforts within the District’s educational and public service missions.

Access to electronic information systems at the Glen Ridge Public Schools is a privilege, not a right, and must be treated as such by all users of these systems. All users must act honestly and responsibly. Every user is responsible for the integrity of these information resources. All users must respect the rights of other computer users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements related to the district’s information systems. All users shall act in accordance with these responsibilities and the relevant local, state and federal laws and regulations. Failure to conduct oneself in compliance with this policy may result in denial of access to the district’s information systems or other disciplinary action.

The Glen Ridge Public Schools is a provider of a means to access the vast and growing amount of information available through electronic information resources. The District is not a regulator of the content of that information and takes no responsibility for the content of information except for that information the District itself and those acting on its behalf create. Any person(s) accessing information through the Glen Ridge Public Schools’ information systems must determine for themselves and their charges whether any source is appropriate for viewing.

Accepting any account and/or using the Glen Ridge Public School’s information systems shall constitute an agreement on behalf of the user or other individual accessing such information systems to abide and be bound by the provisions of this policy.

The District may restrict or prohibit the use of its information systems in response to complaints presenting evidence of violations of District policies or state or federal laws. When it has been determined that there has been a violation, the District may restrict or prohibit access by an offending party to its information systems through district owned or other computers, remove or limit access to material posted on district owned computers or networks, and, if warranted, institute other disciplinary action.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions shall apply:

1. "Electronic communications" shall mean and include the use of information systems in the communicating or posting of information or material by way of electronic mail, bulletin boards, World Wide Web (internet), or other such electronic tools.

2. "Information systems" shall mean and include computers, networks, servers and other similar devices that are administered by the District and for which the District is responsible. "Networks" shall mean and include video, voice and data networks, routers and storage devices.

3. "Obscene" with respect to obscene material shall mean that an average person applying contemporary community standards would find the material taken as a whole predominantly appeals to the prurient interest or a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion, the material depicts or describes in a patently offensive way sexual manner, and the material taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

Permitted Use

1. District Business Use and Limited Personal Use. District information systems are to be used predominately for district related business. However, personal use is permitted so long as it conforms with this policy and does not interfere with district operations or an employee user’s performance of duties as a district employee. As with permitted personal use of telephones for local calls, limited personal use of information systems does not ordinarily result in additional costs to the district and may actually result in increased efficiencies. Personal use of any district information systems to access, download, print, store, forward, transmit or distribute obscene material is prohibited. Personal use may be denied when such use requires an inordinate amount of information systems resources (e.g. storage capacity).

2. Prior Approval Required for Personal Use for Outside Consulting, Business or Employment. Personal use of district information systems resources or equipment by any user for personal financial gain in connection with outside consulting, business or employment is prohibited, except as authorized for employees. Employee personal use in conjunction with outside professional consulting, business or employment activities is permitted only when such use has been expressly authorized and approved by the district administration or the Board of Education.

Access

Unauthorized access to information systems is prohibited. No one should use the ID or password for another, nor should anyone provide his or her ID or password to another, except in the cases necessary to facilitate computer maintenance and repairs. When any user terminates his or her relation with the Glen Ridge Public Schools, his or her ID and password shall be denied further access to district computing resources.

Misuse of Computers and Network Systems

Misuse of district information systems is prohibited. Misuse includes the following:

1. Attempting to modify or remove computer equipment, software, or peripherals without proper authorization;

2. Accessing without proper authorization computers, software, information or networks to which the district belongs, regardless of whether the resources accessed is owned by the district or the abuse takes place from a non-district site;

3. Taking actions, without authorization, which interferes with the access of others to information systems;

4. Circumventing logon or other security measures;

5. Using information systems for any illegal or unauthorized purpose;

6. Personal use of information systems or electronic communications for consulting, business or employment, except as expressly authorized;

7. Sending any fraudulent electronic communication;

8. Violating any software license or copyright, including copying or redistributing copyrighted software, without the written authorization of the software owner;

9. Using electronic communications to violate the property rights of authors and copyright owners. (Be especially aware of potential copyright infringement through the use of e-mail. See the provisions under "E- Mail" contained in this policy.);

10. Using electronic communications to harass or threaten users in such a way as to create an atmosphere which unreasonably interferes with the education or the employment experience. Similarly, electronic communications shall not be used to harass or threaten other information recipients, in addition to District users;

11. Using electronic communications to disclose proprietary information without the explicit permission of the owner;

12. Reading other users information or files without permission;

13. Academic dishonesty;

14. Forging, fraudulently altering or falsifying, or otherwise misusing district or non-district records (including computerized records, permits, identification cards, or other documents or property);

15. Using electronic communications to hoard, damage, or otherwise interfere with academic resources available electronically;

16. Using electronic communications to steal another individual’s work, or otherwise misrepresent one’s own work;

17. Using electronic communications to fabricate information;

18. Launching a computer worm, computer virus or other rogue program;

19. Downloading or posting illegal, proprietary or damaging material to a district computer;

20. Transporting illegal, proprietary or damaging material across a district network;

21. Personal use of any District information system to access, download, print, store, forward, transmit or distribute obscene material; and

22. Violating any state or federal law or regulation in connection with use of any information system.

Privacy

1. User Privacy Not Guaranteed. When District information and telecommunications systems are functioning properly, a user can expect the files and data he or she generates to be private information, unless the creator of the file or data takes action to reveal it to others. Users should be aware, however that no information system is completely secure. Persons both within and outside of the district may find ways to access files accordingly, the district cannot and does not guarantee user privacy and users should be continuously aware of this fact.

2. Repair and Maintenance of Equipment. Users should be aware that on occasion, duly authorized district information systems technological personnel have authority to access individual user files, data and voice mail in the process of performing repair or maintenance of computing equipment and telecommunications system the district deems is reasonably necessary, including the testing of systems in order to ensure adequate storage capacity and performance for district needs. Information systems technological personnel performing repair or maintenance of computing equipment and telecommunications equipment are prohibited by law from exceeding their authority of access for repair and maintenance purposes or from making any use of individual user files or data for any purpose other than repair or maintenance services performed by them.

3. Response to a Public Records Request, Administrative or Judicial Order for Discovery in the Course of Litigation. Users should be aware that the New Jersey public records statutes are very broad in their application. Certain records, such as proprietary information, personal information in personnel and student records are protected from disclosure. However, most other district records contained in electronic form require disclosure if a public records request is made. Users should remember this when creating any electronic information, especially e-mail. Also, users should be aware the that the District will comply with any lawful administrative or judicial order requiring the production of electronic files or data stored in the District’s information systems, telecommunications systems and will provide information in electronic files or data stored in the district’s information systems in response to legitimate requests for discovery of evidence in litigation in which the District is involved.

E-Mail

All policies stated herein are applicable to e-mail should reflect careful, professional and courteous drafting-particularly since it is easily forwarded to others. Never assume that no one other than the addressee will read your e-mail.

Be careful about attachments and broad publication of messages. Copyright laws and license agreements also apply to e-mail.

Web Pages

The central administration may establish standards for those Web Pages considered to be "official" pages of the district.

Originators of all web pages using information systems associated with the district shall comply with district policies and are responsible for complying with all federal, state and local laws and regulations, including copyright laws, obscenity laws, laws relating to libel, slander and defamation, and laws relating to piracy of software.

The person(s) creating a web page are responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in the web page. Content should be reviewed on a timely basis to assure continued accuracy. Web pages should include a phone number or e-mail address of the person to whom questions/comments may be addressed, as well as the most recent revision date.

Notification

This policy shall be published in all employee and faculty handbooks and student catalogs, and placed on the World Wide Web in order to fully notify users of its existence.

Application and Enforcement

This Policy applies to all administrative units of the district. The central administration and each district building is encouraged to provide supplemental policy guidance, consistent with this policy, designed to implement the provisions herein. Each district building shall be responsible for enforcing this policy in a manner best suited to its own organization.

The school district will certify on an annual basis, that the schools, including media centers/libraries, in the district are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the school district enforces the requirements of this policy.

This Policy also establishes Internet safety policy and procedures in the district as required in the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act. Policy 2361 addresses access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online; unauthorized disclosures, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.

Notwithstanding blocking and/or filtering the visual depictions prohibited in the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Board shall determine other Internet material that is inappropriate for minors. The Board will provide reasonable public notice and will hold one annual public hearing during a regular monthly board meeting or during a designated special Board meeting to address and receive public community input on the Internet safety policy - Policy and Regulation 2361.

Consent Requirement

No pupil shall be allowed to use the computer network and the Internet unless they shall have filed a consent form signed by the pupil and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Violations

Individuals violating this policy shall be subject to the consequences as indicated in Regulation No. 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 from school; and/or

8. Legal action and prosecution by the authorities.

N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3 Federal Communications Commission: Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Adopted: 25 November 2002