By Deb Dawson, Special Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Two new policies regarding student use of privately owned technology were introduced at Monday’s Board of Education meeting. The second reading of the policies will be at the board’s Monday, Sept. 21, meeting.
Board member Arthur Robinson explained that for purposes of the policies, “technology means hardware or software.” And, “privately owned” means that which is owned by the student “at no expense to the school or school district.”
A summary of the two policies follows.
Each staff member or department will be able to make the decision regarding whether students can use privately owned technology. Based on the assignment, a staff member may approve or prohibit the use of privately owned technology. No student will be penalized for not having their own technology. When this is the case, the school will provide the equipment. Students will not be required to share their privately owned property, but they may share it if they choose to do so.
The decision to bring equipment to school will be made by parents and students. An Acceptable Use Policy outlines the terms and conditions for use once it is on school property and students must comply with standards for acceptable use.
Students who bring their technology to school will be expected to access the district network while in school and network filters will be applied.
The school will not assume any responsibility for the equipment.
Equipment could be devices such as a laptop, iPad, tablet, mobile telephone, electronic reader, personal digital assistant (PDA), and an electronic device that plays music, a video broadcasting and/or recording device, or a camera.
Devices will have to be put into a silent mode without a vibrate signal while in school.
Posting, transmitting, taking or sharing of pictures and sharing or recording audio/video during school hours will be prohibited unless required for an academic task and under the direction of a staff member.
Gaming devices/applications will be permitted for instructional purposes.
The district will be authorized to collect and examine any device that is suspected of a violation of the student code of conduct.
Also at the meeting, during his report Superintendent Gerard Jellig said, “I feel great. The physical plants look good. Things are coming together. The clouds are continuing to dissipate and sunny days are ahead.”
He said middle-school unit placements will be available on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The first day of school will be Thursday, Sept. 3.
“The board has settled all contracts with the labor unions. We are entering the year with full three-year contracts with all of the unions,” Board Vice President Daniel Boyle said.
