Board refers digital‑communications policy back to committee after privacy, enforcement concerns

During its May 13 meeting the Gloucester County School Board pulled policy GAD (Digital Communications) and its regulation (GADR) from the consent agenda and referred both documents back to the policy review committee for further work. Members expressed concerns about wording that asks staff to be aware that “restrictions” on parent contact could be considered retaliatory and flagged a provision that would allow the district to request access to personal social‑media accounts for investigatory purposes.

Board members said they support clear rules for staff digital conduct and for protecting students but questioned the practical and legal implications of asking employees to supply login credentials for personal social accounts. One board member noted that a statutory reference in the draft used the label “GA” where policy cross‑references should instead point to staff‑conduct and ethics policies. Members asked staff to consult with legal counsel and the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) to review the intent and statutory basis for any requirement that could touch on personal account privacy and to include explicit steps and safeguards (for example, involving law enforcement and documented investigatory protocols) if the language remains.

The board unanimously approved a motion to send GAD/GADR back to the policy review committee for redrafting and to return to the full board with clarified statutory citations and firmer procedural protections.

Next steps: The policy review committee will return a revised draft after consulting VSBA and legal counsel and will bring the item back to the board for consideration.