4514

COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET USE

The Board of Education will provide staff and students with access to various computerized information resources through the district computer network system. This may include access to electronic mail, telecommunications, library networks, and the Internet. This policy is intended to establish guidelines and regulations for staff and students to follow in instruction and for access to external computer networks.

Generally, the same standards of acceptable conduct, that apply to any use of resources, shall apply to computer systems. Use of these computer systems for materials protected by trade secret, any material in violation of state or federal law or threatening or obscene material is prohibited. Staff or students who engage in unacceptable use may lose access to the system and be subject to further discipline under the law. Legal action may be initiated against a person who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys property of the district.

The Superintendent of Schools is authorized by the Board of Education to develop regulations for the implementation of this policy with staff and students. These regulations shall include guidelines related to the following:

� required training for staff and students in all aspects of the regulations [and in procedures for computer use]
� required training for staff and students in procedures for computer use
� appropriate uses of the computer network and the Internet
� the copyright laws regarding use of software
� copyrighted materials obtained from the Internet
� penalties for unauthorized use of the network and for noncompliance with the regulations