Code: JFCEB
Adopted: 11/14/12
Revised/Readopted: 08/08/17
Orig. Code(s): JFCEB 

Students may be allowed to use and possess personal electronic devices on Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) property and at NWRESD-sponsored activities provided such devices are not used in any manner that may disrupt the learning environment or NWRESD-sponsored activities, or violate Board policies, administrative regulations, acceptable use guidelines, school or classroom rules or state and federal law.¹ 

A “personal electronic device” is a device not issued by NWRESD, which emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers communication to the possessor of the device. These devices include, but are not limited to, media players, walkie-talkies, long- or short-range portable radios, portable scanning devices, cellular telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, and similar devices. 

If NWRESD implements a curriculum that uses technology, students may be allowed to use their own personal electronic devices to access the curriculum. Students who are allowed to use their own devices to access the curriculum will be granted access to any application or electronic materials when they are available to students who do not use their own devices, or provided free of charge to students who do not use their own devices, for curriculum. 

NWRESD will not be liable for personal electronic devices brought on NWRESD property or to NWRESD-sponsored activities.  

“Social media tools” (as defined in administrative regulation JFCEB-AR), may be used by students in a manner that supports the instructional and learning environment. NWRESD will not be responsible or liable for information or comments posted by students on social media websites when the student is not engaged in NWRESD activities and not using NWRESD equipment. 

The superintendent is directed to develop administrative regulations and/or approve school rules as necessary to ensure that student use of such devices is consistent with this policy. Administrative regulations may include grade- or age-level possession and/or use restrictions by students on NWRESD property and at NWRESD-sponsored activities, consequences for violations, a process for responding to a student’s request to use a personal electronic device, including an appeal process if the request is denied and such other provisions as the superintendent may deem necessary. The superintendent is responsible for ensuring that pertinent provisions of Board policies, administrative regulations and school rules governing personal electronic devices are included in student/parent handbooks, reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

¹The taking, disseminating, transferring or sharing of obscene, pornographic, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a crime under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies. 

END OF POLICY 

Legal Reference(s): 

• ORS 334.125
  
• ORS 336.840
• Copyrights, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101- 1332; 19 C.F.R. Part 133 (2006).