The BOCES Board of Education will provide access to various computerized information resources through the BOCES district's computer system ("DCS" hereafter) consisting of software, hardware, computer networks and electronic communications systems. This may include access to electronic mail, so-called "on-line services" and the "Internet." It may include the opportunity for staff to have independent access to the DCS from their home or other remote locations. All use of the DCS, including independent use off school premises, shall be subject to this policy and accompanying regulations.

Use of BOCES computer resources is authorized only for purposes that are part of the BOCES educational mission, including but not limited to instruction, assessment, administration, research, professional development, or other tasks associated with student programs and staff assignments. Use for any other purpose is prohibited.

Access to Inappropriate Content/Material and Use of Personal Technology or Electronic Devices

This policy is intended to establish general guidelines for the acceptable staff use of the DCS and also to give notice that use of the DCS will provide access to external computer networks not controlled by the BOCES. The BOCES cannot screen or review all of the available content or materials on these external computer networks. Thus some of the available content or materials on these external networks may be deemed unsuitable.

Despite the existence of BOCES policy, regulations and guidelines, it is virtually impossible to completely prevent access to content or material that may be considered inappropriate. Users may have the ability to access such content or material from their home, other locations off school premises and/or with their own personal technology or electronic device on school grounds or at school events. The appropriate/acceptable use standards outlined in this policy apply to staff use of technology via the DCS or any other electronic media or communications, including by means of a their own personal technology or electronic device on school grounds or at school events.

Standards of Acceptable Use

Generally, the same standards of acceptable conduct which apply to any school activity shall apply to use of the DCS. This policy does not attempt to articulate all required and/or acceptable uses of the DCS; nor is it the intention of this policy to define all inappropriate usage. Administrative regulations will further define general guidelines of appropriate student conduct and use as well as proscribed behavior.

BOCES staff shall also adhere to the laws, policies and rules governing computers including, but not limited to, copyright laws, rights of software publishers, license agreements, and all rights of privacy created by federal and state law.

Students and staff operating in district based programs will adhere to the acceptable use policy of the district in which the program is housed. If no policy is in place, the terms of this policy will apply.

Staff members who engage in unacceptable use may lose access to the DCS in accordance with applicable due process procedures, and may be subject to further discipline under the BOCES policies and the BOCES Code of Conduct. BOCES reserves the right to pursue legal action against a staff member who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys property of the BOCES. Further, the BOCES may bring suit in civil court against staff members who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damage or destroy BOCES property pursuant to General Obligations Law Section 3-112.

Program and BOCES administrators shall have the authority to determine whether a particular use is appropriate or inappropriate, authorized or prohibited, in their respective domains of supervisory responsibility. For uses that may be illegal, administrators have the authority to consult with law enforcement authorities. Administrators also have the authority to impose disciplinary consequences where warranted. An appeal procedure will be established to review disputed findings.

Data files and other electronic storage areas are BOCES property subject to control and inspection. The District Superintendent or designee may access all such files and communications without prior notice to ensure system integrity and that users are complying with the requirements of this policy and accompanying regulations. Staff should NOT expect that information stored on the DCS will be private.

Notification

The BOCES Acceptable Use Policy and Regulations will be disseminated to staff members in order to provide notice of the BOCES requirements, expectations, and staff obligations when accessing the DCS.

Regulations will be established as necessary to implement the terms of this policy.