School Operated Social Media
The Charter School recognizes the value in using social media tools to reach students, parents, and community members in an effective and efficient manner. This policy establishes guidelines for the use of Charter School-operated social media sites. The policy does not apply to private student or parent organizations.
The best, most appropriate Charter School use of social medial tools fall generally into three categories:
1. As a means of disseminating time-sensitive information as quickly as possible (example: school closure due to weather conditions);
2. To promote upcoming Charter School events, such as athletic competitions and other curricular and extracurricular events; and
3. To recognize outstanding achievement on the part of students and teachers.
Each Charter School that operates a social media site shall designate a staff member “Content Manager” who shall be responsible for the content and maintenance of the social media site(s). This person shall be identified as the responsible Content Manager in social media and Charter School websites and contact information shall be provided.
Social media sites shall be in compliance with all relevant Charter School policies and state and federal rules and regulations, including without limitation, the Idaho Code of Ethics for Professional Educators, student and personnel acceptable Internet use policies, records retention policies, and applicable privacy and confidentiality policies adopted by the Charter School or as provided by State or federal law. No confidential or proprietary information of the Charter School shall be posted. No student records shall be posted.
Directory information regarding students may be posted on social media, which may include photos, student names, grade level, academic awards and information in relation to school-sponsored activities, organizations, and athletics. Any parent/student who has not opted out of providing directory information pursuant to Charter School Policies 3570 and 3575 consents to the publishing of student directory information on social media, and such content shall not be a violation of applicable Charter School policy or State or federal law.
Users and visitors to social media sites shall be notified that the intended purpose of the site is to serve as a mechanism for communication between the Charter School and students, parents, and members of the community.
The Content Manager may remove any material that would:
1. Disrupt the educational process or compromise the safety of students or staff;
2. Violate the rights of others;
3. Invade the privacy of others;
4. Infringe on a copyright;
5. Be obscene, vulgar, or indecent;
6. Promote, foster or perpetuate discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation;
7. Include sexual content or links to sexual content;
8. Encourage illegal activity;
9. Constitute hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying;
These guidelines must be displayed to users or made available by hyperlink. Any content removed based on these guidelines must be retained, including the time, date, and identity of the poster when available.
The Charter School or Content Manager reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this social media policy or any applicable law.
Cross References:
§ 3570-3570P Student Records
§ 3575 Student Data Privacy and Security
§ 4130 Public Access to Charter School Website
§ 4260 Records Available to Public
§ 5280 Professional Standards Commission Code of Ethics
§§ 5325-5325P Employee Use of Social Media Sites, Including Personal Sites
§ 8605 Retention of Charter School Records
Legal References:
20 U.S.C. § 1232g et seq. Family Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA)
34 C.F.R. Part 99 Implementing FERPA
I.C. § 33-133 Idaho Student Data Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability Act
I.C. § 33-5210(3) Application of School Law - Accountability - Exemption from State Rules
I.C. § 74-101 et seq. Idaho Public Records Act
I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.02.076 Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators
I.D.A.P.A. 08.02.02.077 Definitions for Use with the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators
Policy History
Adopted on: May 17, 2021
Revised on:
Reviewed on: