Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Use Agreement

The Jefferson Elementary School District and the San Joaquin County Office of Education Data Processing Joint Powers Authority, hereinafter referred to as the “district”, may authorize non-employees, hereinafter referred to as “Individuals”, to use technology owned or otherwise provided by the district. The use of district technology is a privilege permitted at the district's discretion and is subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in applicable policies, administrative regulations, and this Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Use Agreement. The district reserves the right to suspend access at any time, without notice, for any reason.

The district expects all Individuals to use technology responsibly in order to avoid potential problems and liability. The district may place reasonable restrictions on the sites, material, and/or information that Individuals may access through the system.

The district makes no guarantee that the functions or services provided by or through the district will be without defect. In addition, the district is not responsible for financial obligations arising from unauthorized use of the system. Each Individual authorized to use district technology shall sign this Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Use Agreement as an indication that he/she has read and understands the agreement.

Definitions

District technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, the district's computer network including servers and wireless computer networking technology (Wi-Fi), the Internet, email, USB drives, wireless access points (routers), tablet computers, smartphones and smart devices, telephones, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, pagers, MP3 players, wearable technology, any wireless communication device including emergency radios, and/or future technological innovations, whether accessed on or off site or through district-owned or personally owned equipment or devices.

Individual Obligations and Responsibilities

Individuals are expected to use district technology safely and responsibly. Any personal use of district technology shall not interfere with district business and operations, the work and productivity of any employee, or the safety and security of district technology. The district is not responsible for any loss or damage incurred by an Individual as a result of his/her personal use of district technology.

Individuals shall not share their assigned online services account information, passwords, or other information used for identification and authorization purposes, and shall use the system only under the account to which they have been assigned. Individuals shall not gain unauthorized access to the files or equipment of others, access electronic resources by using another person's name or electronic identification, or send anonymous electronic communications. Furthermore, Individuals shall not attempt to access any data, documents, emails, or programs in the district's system for which they do not have authorization. Individuals shall use passwords with a minimum of 14 characters on all systems used to conduct district business and operations or the maximum number of characters if the system enforces a shorter limit. Individuals shall not use these passwords for systems other than those used to conduct district business and operations. Individuals shall use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all systems that provide a MFA option.

Individuals are prohibited from using district technology for improper purposes, including, but not limited to, use of district technology to:

Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Use Agreement

1. Access, post, display, or otherwise use material that is discriminatory, defamatory, obscene, sexually explicit, harassing, intimidating, threatening, or disruptive.

2. Disclose or in any way cause to be disclosed confidential or sensitive district, employee, or student information without prior authorization from a supervisor.

3. Engage in personal commercial or other for-profit activities without permission of the Superintendent or designee.

4. Engage in unlawful use of district technology for political lobbying.

5. Infringe on copyright, license, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property rights.

6. Intentionally disrupt or harm district technology or other district operations (such as destroying district equipment, placing a virus on district computers, adding or removing a computer program without permission, changing settings on shared computers).

7. Install unauthorized software.

8. Engage in, promote unethical practices, or violate any law or district policy, administrative regulation, or district practice.

9. Bypass or disable any security software, settings, or configurations.

Privacy

Since the use of district technology is intended for use in conducting district business, no Individual should have any expectation of privacy in any use of district technology. The district reserves the right to monitor and record all use of district technology, including, but not limited to, access to the Internet or social media, communications sent or received from district technology, or other uses within the jurisdiction of the district. Such monitoring/recording may occur at any time without prior notice for any legal purposes including, but not limited to, record retention and distribution and/or investigation of improper, illegal, or prohibited activity. Individuals should be aware that, in most instances, their use of district technology (such as web searches or emails) cannot be erased or deleted.

All passwords created for or used on any district technology are the sole property of the district. The creation or use of a password by an employee on district technology does not create a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Personally Owned Devices

If an Individual uses a personally owned device to access district technology or conduct district business, he/she shall abide by all applicable policies, administrative regulations, and this Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Use Agreement. Any such use of a personally owned device may subject the contents of the device and any communications sent or received on the device to disclosure pursuant to a lawful subpoena or public records request.

Reporting

If an Individual becomes aware of any security problem (such as any compromise of the confidentiality of any login or account information) or misuse of district technology, he/she shall immediately report such information to the Superintendent or designee.

Consequences for Violation

Violations of the law, district policy, or this Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Use Agreement may result in revocation of an Individual's access to district technology. In addition, violations of the law, district policy, or this agreement may be reported to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Revised December 5, 2022