Edmond district is drafting social media policy

A written policy defining the proper use of social media by students and staff is being drafted by the Edmond School District.

The guidelines were debated, questioned and examined by members of the school board during its Monday meeting.

A first reading of the policy was presented by Randy Decker, chief human resource director. Decker said this is the first time the district has drafted a policy solely for social media use, but improper use even now can lead to disciplinary action. The new rules are under review and scheduled to be adopted after a second reading in April.

Andy Fugitt, attorney for the district, said the policy involves first amendment rights versus legitimate use of social media. He said the district is well within its rights to implement a policy.

Board member Jamie Underwood asked whether the district has the power to ask teachers not to talk about a student on Facebook or another social media site.

Decker said the district can do that.

Underwood said the policy does not mention anything about GoFundMe, a website that helps individuals and groups raise money.

Lori Smith, chief financial officer, said a GoFundMe page, if used by a staff member to raise money for the district, would need oversight.

Decker said GoFundMe will be addressed in the second reading.

“This policy advocates responsible use of technology,” Decker said.

The guidelines cover 13 platforms of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Skype. Blatant violations by staff can result in dismissal, Decker said. The guidelines are designed to assure that employees act professionally online with students, patrons and the public.

Fugitt said the district has the power to limit communications and what can be posted, but he warned it would be difficult to monitor and enforce.

Decker said once the policy is implemented there will probably be additional conversations about what was covered and not covered.

Board member Cynthia Benson said parents should let teachers know the best way to communicate with their children.

Underwood questioned whether school officials have the right to tell students not to have a cellphone.

“You have the right to restrict it,” Fugitt said, such as when a student is involved in unauthorized texting, tweeting or taking a photograph of a teacher.

Board member Lee Ann Kuhlman predicted any policy governing the use of social media will have to be revisited. “We need to realize technology will evolve,” she said. “We can’t assume or imagine all that can happen.”

Myriad Botanical Gardens will offer Adventure Week at the Gardens next week.

From bugs and dancing, to hammering and painting, scavenger hunts and plain old playing, activities will happen under the pavilion, on the pavilion lawn and inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory.

Contributing to the adventures are partners from the Museum of Osteology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, artist Mike Wimmer and business and services lending trucks for the occasion. Food trucks will be on site during the lunch hour.

Cost per day for members is $13 for children and free for adults. Cost for nonmember children is $18 and $8 for adults.

Parents must accompany their children during all activities. Register at www.myriadgardens.org, or call 4457080 for more information.

Mad Science Monday

Activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. include imagination playground and garden games, the inflatable colon from Stevenson Cancer Center and the Museum of Osteology.

In the Discovery Room from 10 a.m. to noon are a fake snow sensory activity, electric dough activity and magnet station.