Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Technology Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District adopts several technology and internet‑publication policies; cellphone contact rules deferred
Summary
The Blackstone‑Millville committee approved updated technology policies covering Chromebook damage fees, responsible digital use and internet publication while deferring a final decision on staff cellphone‑contact rules and social‑media approvals for further work.
The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee voted Thursday to adopt several updated technology and internet‑publication policies while postponing a final decision on staff contact rules and certain social‑media provisions.
Key approvals included a revised JND policy on access to digital resources (approved with language simplified to add a fee schedule for damaged Chromebooks), the MAS C‑recommended responsible digital use policy (JNBB), a rewritten internet‑publication policy (JNDC) that modernizes language about student work and photographs, and a personnel technology‑use policy (GBE) to align staff and student guidance. Committee members said the changes reflect current practice and technology in classrooms and provide clearer reporting and safety expectations.
The committee held a lengthy debate, however, on a related social‑media and staff‑contact provision proposed for the social‑media policy (JNDD): draft language stating that "staff will not give out their private cell phone numbers to students" drew concerns about exceptions for field trips and chaperones, whether the district should require prior administrative approval, and what district‑provided alternatives (Google phone numbers, district phones, or monitored apps) would be feasible. Members did not vote on that element and asked the policy subcommittee to return with clearer language and implementation options.
Superintendent Jason Defalco and committee members said they want to protect student privacy and limit district liability while also ensuring staff can communicate safely on trips or in emergencies. The policy subcommittee will explore alternatives for approving staff contact, options for district‑provided phones or apps, and phased rollouts before bringing the item back to the full committee.
Votes at the meeting approved JND (as amended), JNBB, JNDC and GBE by voice vote. The social‑media/cellphone provisions will be revised and discussed at future meetings.
