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II. S. Staff Computing and Network Use
Applicability
The purpose of this policy is to provide general directions to all users of information technology resources provided by the West Warwick Public Schools.
General Policy Statement
The computing and networking resources provided by the West Warwick Public Schools are to be used responsibly in an efficient, ethical and legal manner consistent with the objectives of the West Warwick Public Schools.
The fact that an activity is technologically possible does not necessarily legitimize its use. All users of information technology resources must comply with all federal, state and other applicable laws, as well as school department policies. Inappropriate activities may jeopardize a user’s continued access to school department computing and networking facilities.
Users
All current school committee members and active employees of the West Warwick Public Schools shall be considered users of information technology resources.
Computer/Network Accounts and Use
No one shall use another individual’s computer user ID unless explicitly permitted to do so by the authorized user of that ID. Due diligence should be exercised before assigning to anyone else user ID’s that can access sensitive information.
Files and Programs
Information integrity must be protected on all systems. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, tapes, diskettes, passwords or any type of data belonging to other users unless specifically authorized to do so. Similarly, individuals shall not use school department computing and networking resources to develop or execute programs that could harass others, deny service to other users, infiltrate computing or network systems, gather unauthorized information or damage or alter any software components.
Resource Use
All users must respect the finite capacity of technological resources and avoid excessive use of resources. Personal computers, dial-up lines, graphics devices, printers, multi-user processor time and data networks are resources that must be shared in an equitable manner to meet the demands of the unit. If demand for computing resources exceeds capacity, priorities and limits may be established by the information technology resource administrators with the consent of the Superintendent of Schools.
Users shall not use the network and computing resources to harass others, violate others’ privacy, tamper with security provisions, attempt entry to non-public hosts or perform illegal acts. Attempts to impersonate others or commit fraudulent acts such as altering the "From:" line or disguising or hiding the origin of electronic messages are prohibited. Other violations include the creation and dissemination of computer "worms" and "viruses," the sending of electronic chain mail, and the inappropriate sending of "broadcast" messages. The unauthorized use of programs that scan networks for vulnerabilities and or alter network security are prohibited.
Proprietary Software and Copyrighted Materials
Software programs are protected by Section 117 of the 1976 Copyright Act. Software may not be used without a documented license. Users do not have the right to make and distribute copies or programs without specific permission of the copyright holder. Unauthorized copying and use of copyrighted material is specifically prohibited. This prohibition extends to using a single-licensed copy on more than one computer system or willfully exceeding the number of permitted simultaneous users on multi-user license unless specifically permitted in the software copyright agreement.
The use of copyrighted materials on the network, systems, Web pages, etc. is prohibited unless such use is covered by federal fair use guidelines or has the permission of the copyright owner.
Personal Use
Information technology resources and services are provided to employees for business use. Personal use is prohibited when it interferes with normal business activities and when it fails to comply with this and other school department policies. Personal use must not involve solicitation, personal financial gain, outside business activities, or political campaigning. School Department sponsored events do not fall under this prohibition. Additional limits may be imposed by the Superintendent of Schools with advice and consent of the School Committee.
Security and Privacy
The school department employs various measures to protect the security of its information technology resources and of their users’ accounts. However, the school department’s measures do not always guarantee security or privacy. Users should exercise caution in using school department resources to transmit confidential data.
Unauthorized access to systems and data is prohibited. Attempts to breach the security of systems and data by employees may result in disciplinary actions following investigation and the evaluation of due process rights by employees accused of said attempts.
The school department reserves the right for designated technology administrators to access users’ stored information during normal system performance monitoring and maintenance and when investigating cases of computing abuse.
The school department, at its discretion, may use the results in disciplinary proceedings with school department personnel or law enforcement agencies, if so requested. Communications made by means of school department computing resources may also be subject to Rhode Island’s Public Records Statutes to the same extent as hardcopy communications.
Enforcement
Users who violate this policy may be denied access to school department information technology resources and may be subject to further disciplinary action. Violations will normally be handled through school department disciplinary procedures applicable to the user. However, the school department may temporarily suspend or block access to an account, prior to the initiation or completion of such procedures, when it has sufficient cause or evidence that it is necessary to do so in order to protect the integrity, security, or functionality of school department or other computing resources or to protect the school department from liability. Computing privileges may be withdrawn where it has been demonstrated that violations of this policy have occurred.
Date Adopted: November 13, 2001
Revised: February 13, 2007
2nd Revision: August 7, 2007