AUBURN — School Committee members approved changes to the student and faculty internet use policies Wednesday evening.
Changes to the Student Computer and Internet Use and Internet Safety policy include a disclaimer that the school is not responsible for the quality of information students obtain through the internet, along with age-appropriate internet safety training.
It also prohibits students from copying or downloading software without authorization from the technology director. There was a section adding that there is no expectation of privacy while students are using school computers, including email.
It also lays out the disciplinary actions for a violation of the policy, including revoking the student’s internet privileges, with final authority resting in the principal’s hands.
Employee Computer and Internet Use rules changes outline appropriate staff conduct on school computers and internet. Personal use of school computers is only permitted if the use does not interfere with the employee’s job responsibilities and performance, system operations or violate the policy and rules.
The changes prohibit employees from sharing school email addresses to outside parties that are trying to contact employees and students for reasons other than school purposes. They are prohibited from downloading software or applications without permission from the technology director. Staff also have no expectation of privacy on school computers.
If staff do not comply with computer and internet policies disciplinary action may be brought against them, including termination or referral to law enforcement.
Most of the discussion among committee members consisted of suggested copy edits to the working of the policy changes.
In other business, committee members approved moving $125,000 from the School Department’s unexpended balances to the Edward Little High School Capital Reserve Fund for capital improvement projects, facility upgrades and plant maintenance. In another motion, it approved moving $125,000 from the School Department’s unexpended balances to the technology equipment reserve fund for purchasing and maintaining computers, tablets, audiovisual equipment and related technology.
There was no discussion on the agenda items among committee members.
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