POLICY:  IJNDD

EFFECTIVE DATE:  10/3/18

CANCELS SHEET DATED:  5/5/04

REVIEWED BY POLICY COMMITTEE:  9/12/18

EMPLOYEE COMPUTER, INTERNET USE, AND SERVICES

The intent of this RSU #74 School Board Policy is to provide employees with general requirements for utilizing RSU  #74’s computer, networks, Internet, and services.  This Policy may be supplemented by more specific administrative procedures and rules governing day-to-day management and operation of the computer system.

This Policy provides general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses for illustrative purposes but does not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users.  Employees who have questions regarding whether a particular activity or use is acceptable, should seek further guidance from the Technology Coordinator who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and for developing any administrative procedures.

A.)    Access to RSU  #74 Computers, Networks, and Internet Services

The level of access that employees have to RSU  #74 computers, networks, and Internet services is based upon specific employee job requirements and needs.

B.)    Acceptable Use

Employee access to RSU  #74 computers, networks, and Internet services is provided for administrative, educational, communication, and research purposes consistent with RSU  #74’s educational mission, curriculum, and goals.  Employees are to utilize RSU #74’s computers, networks, and Internet services for school-related purposes and performance of job duties.  Incidental personal use of school computers is permitted as long as such does not interfere with the employee’s job duties and performance, with system operations or other system users.  “Incidental personal use” is defined as use by an individual employee for occasional personal communications.  Employees are reminded that such personal use must comply with this policy and all other applicable policies, procedures, and rules.

C.)    Prohibited Use

The employee is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school RSU  #74 computers, networks, Internet, and services and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts.  General examples of unacceptable uses which are expressly prohibited, include but are not limited to the following:

  1.)   Any use that is illegal or in violation of other RSU #74 School Board policies, including harassing, discriminatory or threatening communications and behaviors, violations of copyright laws, etc.;

  2.)   Any use involving materials that are obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit or sexually suggestive;

  3.)   Any inappropriate communications with students or minors;

  4.)   Any use for private financial gain, or commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes;

  5.)   Any use as a forum for communicating by e-mail or any other media with other school users or outside parties to solicit, proselytize, advocate or communicate the views of an individual or non-school-sponsored organization to solicit membership in or support of any non-school-sponsored organization.  Employees who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek further guidance from the building principal or other appropriate administrator;

  6.)   Any communication that represent personal views as those of RSU  #74 or that could be misinterpreted as such;

  7.)   Any malicious use or disruption of RSU  #74’s computers, networks, Internet, and services or breach of security features;

  8.)   Any communications that are in violation of generally accepted rules of network etiquette and/or professional conduct;

  9.)   Failing to report a known breach of computer security to the system administrator;

10.)   Using  RSU  #74 computers, networks, Internet, and services after such access had been denied or revoked;

11.)   Any attempt to delete, erase or otherwise conceal any information stored on a RSU  #74 computer that violates these rules;

12.)   Downloading or loading software or applications with attached licensing and/or fees required without permission from the Information Technology Manager.  Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties;

13.)   Sending mass e-mail to school users outside a contained building or outside parties for school or non-school purposes without the content being approved by the Superintendent;

14.)   Sending mass e-mail to school users contained within a building for school or non-school purposes without the content being approved by the building principal.

15.)   Any misuse or damage to RSU  #74’s computers;

16.)   Any attempt to access unauthorized sites;

17.)   Misuse of the computer passwords or accounts (employee or other users); and

18.)   Opening or forwarding any e-mail attachments (executable files) from unknown sources and/or that may contain viruses.

D.)    No Expectation of Privacy

RSU  #74 retains control, custody, and supervision of all computers, networks, and Internet services owned or leased by RSU  #74.  RSU  #74 reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by employees and other system users.  Employees have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail messages and stored files.

E.)     Confidentiality of Information

Employees are expected to use appropriate judgment and caution in communications concerning students and staff to ensure that personally identifiable information remains confidential.

F.)     Staff Responsibilities to Students

Teachers, staff members, and volunteers who utilize RSU  #74 computers for instructional purposes with students have a duty of care to supervise such use.  Teachers, staff members, and volunteers are expected to be familiar with RSU  #74’s policies and rules concerning student computer and Internet use and to enforce them.  When, in the course of their duties, employees/volunteers become aware of student violations, they are expected to stop the activity and inform the building principal or other appropriate administrator.

G.)    RSU  #74 Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or Illegal Use

RSU  #74 assumes no responsibility for unauthorized charges made by employees, including but not limited to credit card charges, subscriptions, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.

H.)    Compensation for Costs, Losses, and/or Damages

The employee shall be responsible for any costs, losses or damages incurred by RSU  #74 related to violations of this Policy.

I.)      Employee Acknowledgment Required

Each employee authorized to access RSU  #74 computers, networks, and Internet services is required to sign an acknowledgment form stating that they have read Policy IJNDD -- Employee Computer and Internet Use.  The acknowledgement form will be retained in the employee’s personnel file.

Failure to comply with Policy IJNDD -- Employee Computer and Internet Use and/or other established procedures or rules governing RSU  #74 computer use may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.  Illegal use of RSU  #74 computers will also result in referral to law enforcement authorities.

I acknowledge that I have read and understand  RSU  #74’s Policy IJNDD -- Employee Computer and Internet Use.

Dated: __________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________

Name (printed): _________________________________