D32 Board approves policy

The Perry County School District 32 Board of Education has approved a state-mandated policy regarding electronic communication between district personnel and students.

The policy was approved Feb. 29, 2012.

"Communication is constantly evolving as technology changes, so it is sometimes necessary to adjust our policies to address those changes," said Superintendent Kevin Dunn.

"Our policy states that staff communication with students must always be appropriate, consistent with Board policy and maintain professional boundaries regardless of how that communication occurs.

"The policy is a continuation of our commitment to providing a safe and effective educational environment for the children we serve."

Staff member Stacie Sargent, who serves as the Perry County Teacher's Association representative on the district's liaison committee, said that feedback from staff indicates support for the new policy.

"Staff members appreciate that the policy states that any inappropriate communication -- whether verbal or written or electronically -- is unacceptable," she said. "Staff members have also stated that they appreciate that the policy provides for disciplinary action for inappropriate communication without infringing on their rights to communicate freely and appropriate with students and their families.

"The overall consensus is that this is a good, common-sense policy to address the changing way we communicate, and that it was a great example of how we can all work together to protect and educate our children."

Policy 4650 in its entirety reads:

Communication with students by electronic media

Employee personal communication with students, in all forms including oral and nonverbal shall be appropriate and consistent with Board policy. Personal communication shall be deemed to be inappropriate if such communication is sexual in nature; is sexually suggestive; suggests romantic activity with student or students; or is otherwise inconsistent with Board policy. Violation of this provision will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, and additional action also may be taken when required by law or as otherwise permitted by law.

Staff members are encouraged to communicate with students parents/guardians for educational purposes. Electronic communications between staff and students must maintain professional boundaries regardless whether the communication methods are provided by the district, or the staff member uses his or her own personal electronic form of communication.

The district discourages staff members from communicating with students electronically for reasons other than educational purposes. When the administration determines, in its judgment, that there is reason to believe that an employee has communicated with a student in an inappropriate manner, the employee may be required to provide access to the specific communication(s) in question. Employees are expected to cooperate fully during any investigatory process relating to the communications with students.