 The policy has become a focus of nationwide discussion in recent
weeks, and Superintendent Terry Scandrett told the board it may be
challenged for violation of freedom of speech. The policy restricts
teachers from using electronic devices and social networks to
communicate with students and parents. The purpose is to prevent
comments and conversations from becoming too personal, and to
prevent teachers and administrators from mentioning names of
students on networks that can be shared and viewed by anyone.
"Other school districts are addressing this policy, too," the
superintendent said, "but I believe it will be challenged somewhere
for violation of the First Amendment. In theory the policy makes
sense, but it crosses into a gray area. We need to vote on it for
right now, and it may have to be revisited."
Other agenda items approved by the District 88 board: schedule of
board meetings for the 2011-2012 school year; participation in the
federal free and reduced lunch program; life safety project;
maternity leave request.
The board set a budget hearing for 6:45 p.m. Sept. 14.
Scandrett reported district attendance was 94, but several
students have not registered and the number is expected to rise. He
also introduced new teachers to the board.
Meet Your Teacher Night, replacing an open house, was on Tuesday.
[By MARLA BLAIR] |
