Information Technology Department

Internet Filtering Policy


Internet Filtering, Board Policy #2513

(Adopted 6/14/2004, Revised 8/9/10)

The Board recognizes the importance of providing students with positive, productive educational experiences through the District’s Internet services. To the extent practical, the Board directs the Superintendent or designee to:

  • Prevent user access over the District computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
  • Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
  • Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
  • Comply with federal and state laws.

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to:

  • Obscene material
  • Materials that depict sexual exploitation of minors;
  • Material deemed harmful to minors; or
  • Other information that is determined to be in violation of District policies.

The following principles shall be the guide for Internet website access and site filtering:

  • To provide access to materials that will enrich and support the curriculum and educational needs of users, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, learning styles, maturity levels, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • To provide access to materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge and ethical standards and that will develop literary, cultural, and aesthetic appreciation.
  • To provide a background of information which will enable students to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.
  • To provide access to materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that the users may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical analysis.
  • To provide access to materials which realistically represent our pluralistic society and reflect the contributions made by all groups and individuals to our American and global heritage.

The District will hold public meetings for input and comments by parents and other patrons regarding the District’s Internet safety plan, as required by law.

Request for Reconsideration of a Website

If a person wishes access to a website that has been blocked by the Internet filter or by a prior determination of the Superintendent or designee, or to block access to a website allowed to be accessed by students and staff, the following procedure applies:

  • The person initiating the request must submit a completed form entitled “Request for Reconsideration of Website” to the principal or designee.
  • The recommended or challenged material remains in its current status during the review process unless an emergency situation is determined to be present.
  • The principal or designee submits the Request for Reconsideration form to the Superintendent or designee for review of the request.
  • The Superintendent or designeewill review the request and make a determination concerning the appropriateness of altering the existing status of the sites filtering.
  • If the applicant disagrees with the determination he/she may appeal the decision.
  • Upon receipt of any appeal request the Superintendent or designee will form a committee composed of a teacher, technology staff personnel, parent/guardian, the building principal or designee, and others if appropriate. The Superintendent’s designee will chair the committee.
  • Within five (5) school days from the receipt of any appeal request the committee chair will schedule a committee meeting and send notification to the committee members and the person making the request. The person making the request shall have an opportunity to present oral and/or written comments to the committee.
  • The committee meeting shall be held within a reasonable period of time after the notice is provided.
  • The committee chair shall notify the person who initiated the request, as well as appropriate District personnel, of the committee’s decision.
  • The committee’s decision may be appealed to the Council of Directors within five (5) days of receipt of the decision.
  • The decision of the Council of Directors is final.
  • All requests, appeals, and responses shall be in writing.

Definitions

  • Obscene: is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code
    Harmful to minors: any picture, image, graphic image file, or other depiction (text, audio, or video) that:
    • Appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
    • Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact defined in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts; or a lewd exhibition of the genitals;
    • Lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors; or
    • Would endorse or promote the following: abusive or threatening material, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use or abuse, gambling, hate/discrimination materials, murder/suicide material, racially offensive material, school cheating information, violence, and weapons.
  • Council of Directors: refers to a body composed of the District’s directors acting in their capacity as an appeal panel.