Committee tables social-media policy, refers PER61B to policy subcommittee after debate
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Summary
The School Committee discussed and ultimately tabled an amended staff social-media and personal-cell-phone policy (PER61B). The committee approved waiving a two-reading requirement (SC47) and later voted to refer PER61B to the policy subcommittee for further work on implementation and ownership of accounts.
The Pittsfield School Committee debated changes to a staff social-media and personal-cell-phone policy and decided to refer the matter to the policy subcommittee for more detailed review.
What happened: The committee first voted to waive Policy SC 47, allowing a one-reading adoption process for the revised policy language. The motion to waive the two-reading requirement passed by voice vote.
The policy debate centered on the social-media section (labeled "C" in the draft). Members discussed whether accounts using the district name and logo should be owned and managed by the district or by class advisers, coaches or designees. Committee members concerned about accountability urged the district to establish ownership and central credentials; others said an immediate step granting administrative access would be an improvement and reflected the current status quo.
Key exchanges and positions: Miss Bellaire pressed for district ownership if accounts use the district's name and logos. Mr. Garrity and others said the proposed language initially made the district "owner," but that sentence was removed to avoid assuming management responsibility without a plan. Mayor Marchetti warned that passing a policy the district cannot enforce could create more confusion. Several members noted that provisions in the policy —such as prohibiting staff from friending current students and banning posting in school settings—are already enforced as administrative directives or bargaining agreements.
Final action: After debate and a motion to strike contested subsections was tabled, the committee voted unanimously to refer PER61B to the policy subcommittee for further development and implementation planning. The committee chair stressed that Sections A and B of the policy (restrictions on staff friending/following students and using school settings to publicize personal accounts) are already in effect and enforceable.
Why it matters: The policy affects how school-related accounts are managed, who controls district-branded accounts, and which employees bear responsibility and potential liability for account content. Committee members also flagged indemnification and liability questions for staff who run accounts.