The District has an overriding interest in deciding what is “spoken” on its behalf on social media sites. These guidelines establish a set of expectations for the use of social media.

Social Media is defined as any form of online publication, which allows interactive communication. Examples of social media are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Pinterest and SnapChat.

Personal Use –

District employees must never use their district email account or password in conjunction with a personal account.

The following guidance is for District employees who decide to have a personal social media account or social networking site or who decide to comment on posts about official District business:

• Do not access personal social media profiles from school computers, on school networks, or during work hours.
• The District strongly discourages staff members from ‘friending’ current students on personal social media accounts.
• Even with strict privacy settings, when posting online comments that are related to the District, or your profession, staff should act as if all posts are in the public domain.
• The lines between public and private, personal and business, are blurred in the digital world. Remember your association and responsibility with the East Valley School District in online environments. If you identify yourself as an employee of the East Valley School District, ensure that your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself with colleagues, parents, and students. You should ensure that content associated with you is consistent with your work in the East Valley School District.
• When uploading digital pictures or avatars, make sure you select school appropriate images.

Professional Use –

Only individuals authorized by the District may publish content to a District website or social media profile.

It is recommended that staff members who wish to contribute to District social media and social networking accounts maintain a professional profile that is separate from their personal profile and account.

Employees representing the District through social media outlets or by participating in social media features on district websites, must maintain a high level of ethical conduct and professional decorum. Failure to do so is grounds for revoking the privilege to participate in official District social media sites, blogs, or other social media features.

District employees may not publish information on social media sites that includes:

• Confidential information about students or staff
• Copyright violations
• Profanity, racist, sexist, or derogatory content or comments
• Partisan political views
• Commercial endorsements, SPAM or any other posts for-profit purposes
• Negative views about District policies, procedures, programs, directives or initiatives

Participation in District social networking and social media sites should in no way interfere with a staff member’s ability to perform the responsibilities of their primary assignment. (Example: A teacher should take a quick photo of an enriching classroom activity or lesson, but should not halt instruction to post the picture to a social media or social networking site. The staff member should save this photo to post during non-instructional time.)

District employees should be mindful that inappropriate usage of official District social media and social networking sites could be grounds for disciplinary action. If social media and social networking sites are used for official District business, the entire site, regardless of any personal views, is subject to best practices, guidelines and standards.