1998

6470

Personnel

SUBJECT: STAFF USE OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION RESOURCES

The Board of Education will provide staff with access to various computerized

information resources through the District’s computer system (DCS hereafter) consisting

of software, hardware, computer networks and electronic communication systems. This

may include access to electronic mail, so-called “on-line services” and the “Internet.” It

may also include the opportunity for some staff to have independent access to the DCS

from their home or other remote locations. All use of the DCS, including independent

use off school premises, shall be subject to this policy and accompanying regulations.

The Board encourages staff to make use of the DCS to explore educational topics,

conduct research and contact others in the educational world. The Board anticipates that

staff access to various computerized information resources will both expedite and

enhance the performance of tasks associated with their positions and assignments.

Toward that end, the Board directs the Superintendent or his/her designee(s) to provide

staff with training in the proper and effective use of the DCS.

Generally, the same standards of acceptable staff conduct which apply to any aspect

of job performance shall apply to use of the DCS. Employees are expected to

communicate in a professional manner consistent with applicable District policies and

regulations governing the behavior of school staff.

Electronic mail and tele-

communications are not to be utilized to share confidential information about students or

other employees.

This policy does not attempt to articulate all required and/or acceptable uses of the

DCS; nor is it the intention of this policy to define all inappropriate usage.

Administrative regulations will further define general guidelines of appropriate staff

conduct and use as well as proscribed behavior.

Staff members who engage in unacceptable use may lose access to the DCS and

may be subject to further discipline under the law and in accordance with applicable

collective bargaining agreements. Legal action may be initiated against a staff member

who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys property of the District.

Privacy Rights

Staff Data Files, E-Mail Files

The Computer Coordinator, Computer Technician and/or other Wayne-Finger

Lakes BOCES computer staff may access files and communications through the normal

process of servicing or routine monitoring of the system integrity for compliance with

the requirements of this policy and accompanying regulations. Staff should not expect

that information stored on the DCS would be private.

Implementation

The Board of Education directs the Superintendent or his/her designee to develop

administrative regulations to implement the terms of this policy, addressing general

parameters of acceptable staff conduct as well as prohibited activities so as to provide

appropriate guidelines for employee use of the DCS.