BOARD MEMBER SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT
The board sees the value in promoting the excellent work and accomplishments of the district’s students
and staff. Social media is one of many effective communication tools that the district may utilize. Board
members have been publicly elected to govern the district and accept a fiduciary responsibility. That
responsibility means board members agree to always act in the best interests of the district. For this
reason, the board shall expect that individual communications and social media posts made by board
members will reflect the values and decorum expected of elected officials in the school community.
All board members enjoy rights to freedom of speech under both the U.S. and Iowa Constitutions. As
such, the district will not limit protected speech of any board members. Certain categories of speech are
not protected and may be subject to regulation. Additionally, board members should be aware that
protected speech can still subject individuals to legal liability. If using social media to discuss district
related matters, board members should be aware that they may be prohibited from blocking individual
communications and posters based upon the content of their posts.
The board as a whole and individual board members in their governance role have legal obligations to
safeguard the privacy of information related to student and employee matters. Board members will refrain
from posting or communicating on social media in a way that violates the district’s obligation to protect the
privacy of its students and employees.
Board members are uniquely positioned in the school community to be both accessible and responsive to
community concerns about the effective governance of the district. As a result, the board will remember
their obligations to safeguard student and employee privacy when responding to any social media posts
or communications, even if the response is intended to correct information for the rest of the school
community. Board members will direct concerned individuals to the appropriate district staff to address
their inquiry or complaint in accordance with board policy.
Approved: 4/12/23
Revised:
Reviewed: