NETWORK PRIVACY AND ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
STAFF MEMBERS
It is the intention of the Hopewell-Loudon Local Board of Education to protect the privacy of staff members who use the school computers, computer network, and electronic messaging systems to the maximum extent possible given the operational and security needs of the District. The purpose of this policy is to identify the limitations on this privacy and the general restrictions applying to the use of computers and electronic messaging systems of the District.
The computers, computer network and messaging systems of the Hopewell-Loudon Local School District are intended for educational uses and work-related communications. Incidental use of the e-mail and voice mail systems by staff members for personal communications is permitted as long as such communications are limited in number, are initiated during non-work periods, and do not interfere with the primary intended uses of the system.
The following are uses, which are unacceptable under any circumstances:
the transmission of any language or images which are of a graphic sexual nature
the transmission of jokes, pictures, or other materials which are obscene, lewd, vulgar, or disparaging of persons based on their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation
the transmission of messages or any other content which would be perceived by a reasonable person to be harassing or threatening
uses that constitute defamation (libel or slander)
uses that violate copyright laws
uses that attempt to gain unauthorized access to another computer system or to impair the operation of another computer system (for example, the transmission of a computer virus or an excessively large e-mail attachment)
any commercial or profit-making activities
any fundraising activities, unless specifically authorized by an administrator
Staff members shall not take any action that would compromise the security of any computer, network or messaging system. This would include the unauthorized release or sharing of passwords and the intentional disabling of any security features of the system.
Staff members shall not take any actions that may adversely affect the integrity, functionality, or reliability of any computer (for example, the installation of hardware or software not authorized by the System Administrator).
Staff members shall report to the System Administrator or a School District administrator any actions by students which would violate the security or integrity of any computer, network or messaging system whenever such actions become known to them in the normal course of their work duties. This shall not be construed as creating any liability for staff members for the computer-related misconduct of students.
Although the Hopewell-Loudon Local Board of Education respects the natural desire of all persons for privacy in their personal communications, and will attempt to preserve this privacy whenever possible, the operational and security needs of the District’s computer network and messaging systems require that full access be available at all times. The Hopewell-Loudon Local School District therefore reserves the right to access and inspect any computer, device, or electronic media within its system and any data, information, or messages, which may be contained therein. All such data, information, and messages are the property of the Hopewell-Loudon Local School District and staff members should have no expectation that any messages sent or received on the Hopewell-Loudon Local School District’s systems will always remain private.
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Every employee must read and sign below:
I have read, understand and agree to abide by the terms of Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy of the Hopewell-Loudon Local School District and the Network Privacy and Acceptable Use Policy for Staff Members. Should I commit any violation or in any way misuse my access to the School District’s computer network and the Internet, I understand and agree that my access privilege may be revoked and school disciplinary action may be taken against me.
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Employee name (PRINT CLEARLY) Home phone
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Employee signature Date
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Address