Operating Guidelines
Book:	Operating Guidelines
Section:	I - Instructional Program
Title:	Computer, Internet, E-Mail and Electronic Networks
Number:	IFBGB (1)
Status:	Active
Legal:
Adopted:
Last Revised:	01/24/2006
Last Reviewed:

Policy Detail

Computer, Internet, E-Mail and Electronic Networks

Acceptable Use Agreement for Employees and Volunteers
The following document outlines guidelines for use of the computing systems and facilities located at or operated by Fulton County Schools (FCS). The definition of FCS information and data resources will include any computer, server or network, or access provided or supported by FCS, including the Internet. Use of the computer facilities includes the use of data/programs stored on FCS computing systems, data/programs stored on magnetic tape, floppy disk, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, computer peripherals, or other storage media, that is owned and maintained by FCS. The "user" of the system is the person requesting an account (or accounts) in order to perform work in support of the FCS program or a project authorized for FCS. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that all FCS technology users share the FCS technology resources in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner.

The Board recognizes that electronic networks provide access to a wide variety of instructional resources in an effort to enhance educational opportunities. Use of electronic resources must be in support of, and consistent with the vision, mission and goals established by the Fulton County Board of Education and for the purpose of instructional support or administrative functions. All users of the district wide area network and/or other electronic informational services must maintain strict compliance with all applicable ethical and legal rules and regulations regarding access.

Use of the Internet and Electronic Mail (E-Mail)
Individual Internet use will not interfere with others’ use and enjoyment of the Internet. Users will not violate the network policies of any network accessed through their account. Internet use will comply with all Federal and State laws, and all policies. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. The Internet may not be used for illegal or unlawful purposes, including, but not limited to,
copyright infringement, obscenity, libel, slander, fraud, defamation, plagiarism, harassment,
intimidation, forgery, impersonation, illegal gambling, soliciting for illegal pyramid schemes,
and computer tampering (e.g. spreading computer viruses).

2. The Internet may not be used in any way that violates Fulton County Schools’ policies,
procedures, or guidelines. Use of the Internet in a manner that is not consistent with the
mission of Fulton County Schools misrepresents Fulton County Schools, or violates any Fulton
County Schools policy is prohibited.

3. Fulton County Schools prohibits use for mass unsolicited mailings, access for non-employees to
Fulton County Schools’ resources or network facilities, competitive commercial activity unless
pre-approved by Fulton County Schools, and the dissemination of chain letters.

4. Individuals may not view, copy, alter, or destroy data, software, documentation, or data
communications belonging to Fulton County Schools or another individual without authorized
permission.

5. In the interest of maintaining network performance, users should not send unreasonably large
electronic mail attachments.

Failure to follow these guidelines can violate the Official Code of Georgia, OCGA, Codes 16-9-90, 16-9-91, 16-9-92, and 16-9-93, as well as United States Public Law 106-554, known as the Children's Internet Protection Act. Such actions can also lead to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment or contract with FCS and criminal prosecution.

At no time should student identifying information be broadcast or disclosed in communications sent outside the FCS network without parental permission for such activities. Teachers should closely monitor classroom activities where students are communicating outside of FCS. Such activities might be classroom-to-classroom collaborative projects, "pen pals", and web-site-related instructional activities. At no time should student privacy be compromised in these communications, nor should students' work be delivered outside of FCS without direct supervision of the students' teacher.

Finally, please note that FCS technology use is subject to auditing for legitimate purposes, as well as live monitoring where appropriate.

The following notice will appear on the computer screen and require “OK” for logon to FCS network:

This computer is the property of the Fulton County Board of Education and is for authorized use only. The use of this computer is governed by an Acceptable Use Agreement. Using this computer constitutes your acceptance of this agreement and willingness to adhere to all of the guidelines contained within it. Users of this computer system (authorized or unauthorized) have no explicit or implicit expectation of privacy. Any or all uses of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to authorized personnel and law enforcement. By using this system, the user consents to such interception, monitoring, recording, copying, auditing, inspection, and disclosure at the discretion of authorized personnel. Failure to comply with the Acceptable Use Agreement and all applicable laws will result in disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment, and criminal prosecution. The Acceptable Use Agreement can be reviewed on Fulton County School’s website, www.fultonschools.org POLICIES section, Operating Procedure IFBGA, Acceptable Use.

Cross References: IFBGA - Electronic Networks Access Policy