Even though the West Windsor-Plainsboro (WW-P) school district apparently has not had any major scandals caused by improper use of social media, the district Board of Education has adopted an electronic communications policy between school district personnel and students on August 26.
State legislation passed in April mandates all state school districts to adopt electronic communications policies between district employees and students. WW-P’s policy was developed in conjunction with Strauss Esmay Associates, a Toms River firm that specializes in school district policy, according to Gerri Hutner, the district’s director of communications.
The WW-P policy acknowledges how electronic communication can help facilitate communication for a host of duties such as scheduling and distance learning, but it states that staff members “can be vulnerable in electronic communications with students.” The new policy aims to “provide guidance and direction” to staff members to “prevent improper electronic communications.”
Electronic communications is defined as “a communication transmitted by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, telephone, cellular telephone, computer, computer network, personal tablet, or pager.” Electronic communication includes: E-mails; text messages; instant messages; and communications made through a website, for example social media and social networking sites.
The policy defines “improper electronic communication” by specifying what constitutes inappropriate content and outlining acceptable protocols and reporting responsibilities.
The categories of inappropriate content include communications of a sexual, bullying, or profane nature. Communications involving the use of drug substances or alcohol is not allowed, as well as content regarding the personal or confidential information of staff members or students. In addition, communications that “the Commissioner of Education or an arbitrator would determine to be inappropriate in determining that the teaching staff member is unfit to discharge the duties and functions of his/her position” constitutes inappropriate content.
Electronic communications must follow acceptable protocols as well. For E-mail, this means all communications between staff and students must be sent or received through the school district’s E-mail system. A staff member’s E-mail account is subject to review, and staff “shall have no expectation of privacy on the school district’s E-mail system.”
Communication between staff and student via personal cellular phone is only allowed if it is directly related to the staff member’s professional responsibilities. Prior approval is required. Text messages likewise shall be limited to “contact that pertains to legitimate school business,” such as answering inquires, clarifying expectations, schedule notification, and individual medical concerns and emergencies.
Social media communication between school district personnel and students are prohibited, and this includes friending, following, or otherwise developing an association with a student’s personal social networking website. This includes former students still enrolled in a K-12 program.
The policy is applicable at all times for personnel employed in the school district, including holidays and summer break. The policy is exempt for students and staff who are relatives. There is no policy regarding communication with parents.
