District Policy

Book:

District Policy

Section:

I - Instructional Program

Title:

Electronic Network Access

Number:

IFBGA

Status:

Active

Legal:


Adopted:

02/08/1996

Last Revised:

08/12/2005

Last Reviewed:

Policy Detail
The school system maintains an electronic network (EN) that includes local and wide-area networks as well as access to world-wide networks such as Internet. Access to the EN, as well as the hardware and software that support access, are the property of the school system, and shall be used solely in support of the school system’s instructional and administrative programs. Use of this property is a privilege that may be discontinued at any time.

The EN should be used only in a responsible, ethical and lawful manner. Any unauthorized use of the EN or any failure to comply with the local and systemwide provisions relating to use of the EN will be grounds for loss of EN access and other disciplinary and/or legal action.

School principals and department heads shall be responsible for monitoring all use of the EN at their facilities. Student access to the EN shall be under the supervision of a teacher or other appropriate staff member. There is currently no charge for access to the EN when used in accordance with Board policy and procedures. Each school may set its own policies for allowing access to the EN by PTAs, booster organizations, school volunteers and other parents. All such use must be in support of the school system’s educational mission.

Internet Safety:

(a) The Superintendent shall, with respect to any computers belonging to the school system and having access to the Internet:

1. insure that a qualifying "technology protection measure," as that term is defined in section 1703(b)(1) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000, is installed and in continuous operation; and

2. institute, maintain and enforce procedures or guidelines which provide for monitoring the online activities of users and the use of the chosen technology protection measure to prevent access to visual depictions that are (i) obscene, (ii) child pornography, or (iii) "harmful to minors," as that term is defined in section 1721(c) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000.

(b) The Superintendent shall, with respect to access to the Internet by or through computers, networks or other devices belonging to the school system, institute, maintain and enforce procedures or guidelines which:

1. provide for monitoring the online activities of users to limit, to the extent practicable, access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web;

2. are designed to promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;

3. are designed to prevent unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other unauthorized activities by minors online;

4. are designed to prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and

5. are designed to restrict minors' access to materials "harmful to minors," as that term is defined in section 1721(c) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000.

While this Act specifically references minors, the protections listed above should apply to all users of the school system network.

Acceptable Use Agreement for use of Fulton County Schools Electronic Networks and Computers

Regardless of the access provided, all users of Fulton County Schools’ electronic networks and computers must complete an Acceptable Use Agreement prior to use of the school’s electronic networks and computers each school year. This includes, but is not limited to teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, clerical staff, maintenance and facilities staff, technology staff, vendors, students, parents and volunteers.


Cross References: IFBGA - Electronic Network Access Procedure
IFBGB (1) Computer, Internet, E-Mail and Electronic Networks - Operating Procedure
IFBGB (2) Acceptable Use for Local/Wide Area Network and Internet Access - E School - Operating Guideline
IFBGB (3) Acceptable Use for Local/Wide Area Network and Internet Access - M School - Operating Guideline
IFBGC - Guidelines for Password Management - Operating Guideline