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Board approves first reading of new employee social‑media policy; staff to refine cross‑references
Summary
The board approved a new social-media policy on first reading that was edited by legal counsel to avoid chilling employees’ protected speech. Members asked staff to tidy cross‑references, expand platform wording, and plan staff training if the restriction on connecting with minor students remains.
The Lakeland School Board approved the first reading of a new employee social‑media policy (policy 4.4065) after the district’s attorney reviewed an initial draft and removed language she believed might chill employees’ personal speech.
The vote moves the policy forward to a required second reading; the board and staff discussed several edits and an outreach plan to inform employees if the policy becomes final.
Dr. Horrell said the district began with a strong model policy and that district counsel “made some edits basically, trying to ensure that, there was not a chilling effect that was being put on speech.” The board discussed how the policy should reference other board expectations and cross‑reference related policies. Jeremy Burnett suggested a simple administrative fix to place cross-references at the bottom of the policy or to use a generic reference to the district policy manual so the text remains up to date.
Members also raised implementation questions. The policy restricts employees from accepting social-media connections from current or former students who remain minors; several members noted the district’s small community and asked how existing personal relationships would be handled. Board members asked for staff training and notice so employees who have preexisting family or community relationships understand expectations and don’t inadvertently violate the policy.
The board asked staff to update in two administrative ways before second reading: (1) refine cross‑references so the policy text is not immediately outdated by platform name changes, and (2) add inclusive wording for “other social media platforms” so the policy covers new services that emerge. The board noted attorney edits were intended to avoid an overbroad restriction on employees’ private speech while still protecting students.
The board passed the motion on first reading and reminded the public that the policy is not final until the required second reading.
