Employee Computer and Internet Use Rules

CODE: GCSA-R

Maine School Administrative District No. 31

EMPLOYEE COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE RULES

The intent of these Board-level rules is to provide employees with general requirements for utilizing District computers, networks, and Internet services. The Board rules may be supplemented by more specific administrative procedures and rules governing day-to-day management and operation of the computer system.

These rules provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses for illustrative purposes but do 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 their supervisor. Failure to comply with Board policy GCSA, these rules and/or other established procedures or rules governing computer use may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. Illegal uses of District’s computers will also result in referral to law enforcement authorities.

A. Access to District Computers, Networks, and Internet Services

The level of access that employees have to District computers, networks, and Internet services is based upon specific

employee job requirements and needs.

B. Acceptable Use

Employee access to District computers, networks, and Internet services is provided for administrative, educational,

communication, and research purposes consistent with the District’s educational mission, curriculum, and instructional

goals. General rules and expectations for professional behavior and communication apply to use of District computers,

networks, and Internet services.

Employees are to utilize District computers, networks, and Internet services for school-related purposes and performance of job duties. Incidental personal use of District computers is permitted as long as such use 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 District computers, networks, and Internet services

and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts. General examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly

prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

1. Any use that is illegal or in violation of other Board policies, including harassing, discriminatory, or threatening

communications and behavior, 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 medium with other District 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; or to raise funds for any non-school-

sponsored purpose, whether for-profit or not-for-profit. No employee shall knowingly provide District e-mail addresses

to outside parties whose intent is to communicate with District employees, students, and/or their families for

non-school purposes. Employees who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek

further guidance from their administrator.

6. Any communication that represents personal views as those of the District or that could be misinterpreted as such;

7. Downloading or loading software or applications without permission from the technology coordinator;

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

viruses;

9. Sending mass e-mails to District users or outside parties for school or non-school purposes without the permission of

the supervising administrator.

10. Any malicious use or disruption of District computers, networks, and Internet services or breach of security features;

11. Any misuse or damage to District computer equipment;

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

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

14. Any attempt to access unauthorized sites;

15. Failing to report a known breach of computer security to the technology coordinator;

16. Using school computers, networks and Internet services after such access has been denied or revoked; and

17. Any attempt to delete, erase, or otherwise conceal any information stored on a District computer that violates these

rules.

D. No Expectation of Privacy

The District retains control, custody, and supervision of all computers, networks, and Internet services owned or leased by the

District. The District 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 District 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

Staff members and volunteers who utilize District computers for instructional purposes with students have a duty of care to

supervise such use. Staff members and volunteers are expected to be familiar with District 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.

G. Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages

The employee shall be responsible for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the District related to violations of policy

GCSA and/or these rules.

H. The District Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs, or Illegal Use

The District assumes no responsibility for any 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.

I. Employee Acknowledgment Required

Each employee authorized to access District computers, networks, and Internet services is required to sign an

acknowledgment form (GCSA-E) stating that they have read policy GCSA and these rules. The acknowledgment form will

be retained in the employee’s personnel file.

Cross Reference: GCSA - Employee Computer and Internet Use

IJNDB - Student Computer and Internet Use

IJNDB-R - Student Computer and Internet Use Rules

Reviewed: 02/12/2003