635 - Use of Information Resources

The Board encourages employees to supplement their regular curricular materials with other resources.  In so doing, the Board recognizes that federal law makes it illegal to duplicate copyrighted materials without authorization of the holder of the copyright, except for certain exempt purposes.  Severe penalties may be imposed for plagiarism, unauthorized copying or using of media, including, but not limited to, print, electronic, and web-based materials, unless the copying or using confirms to the fair use doctrine.  Under the fair use doctrine, unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted materials is permissible for such purposes as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship or research providing that all fair use guidelines are met.

Employees are responsible for ensuring that their use of materials abides by the District’s copying procedures and is in accordance with the requirements of the law.  In no circumstances shall it be necessary for the District staff to violate copyright requirements in order to perform their duties properly.  The District will not be responsible for any violations of the copyright law by employees or students.  Violation of the copyright law by employees may result in discipline up to, and including, termination.  Violation of the copyright law by students may result in discipline, up to and including, suspension or expulsion.

Parents or others who wish to record, by any means, school programs or other activities need to realize that even though the District received permission to perform and/or publish a copyrighted work does not mean that others may copy it and/or replay it.  Parents or others who wish to record school activities should contact the employee in charge of the activity to determine what the process is to ensure the copyright law is followed.  The District will not be responsible for parents or others violating the copyright law or this policy.

Any employee or student who is uncertain as to whether reproducing or using copyrighted material complies with the District’s procedures or is permissible under the law should contact their building principal, teacher or media specialist who will also assist employees and students in obtaining proper authorization to copy or use protected material when such authorization is required.

 

 REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED:  12/16/2019

 REVIEWED: 08/19/2024