The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair and honest communication with the news media.  The board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media.  As part of this cooperative relationship, the board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party’s limitations.

Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings.  The board president is the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the school district.

Members of the news media seeking information about the school district will direct their inquiries to the superintendent.  The superintendent will accurately and objectively provide the facts and board positions in response to inquiries from the news media about the school district to the extent permitted under law.

Approved February 12, 2014       
Reviewed January 28, 2014         
Revised February 25, 2019

The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a request for an interview with the news media. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.

The superintendent will respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media about the school district, to the extent permitted by law.

News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for school district activities will include the board and the superintendent. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the superintendent.  It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.

School district personnel shall refer interview requests and information requests from the news media to the superintendent. School district personnel may be interviewed or provide information about school district matters only after receiving permission from the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. It shall be within the discretion of the superintendent to allow news media to interview and to receive information from school district personnel.

Approved February 12, 2014       
Reviewed March 20, 2024         
Revised February 25, 2019

The superintendent will determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be issued.  In making this determination, the superintendent will strive to keep the media and the school district community accurately and objectively informed.  Further, the superintendent will strive to create and maintain a positive image for the school district.  It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve news releases originating within the school district prior to their release.

News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school district community.  Questions about news releases will be directed to the superintendent.

Approved February 12, 2014       
Reviewed March 20, 2024       
Revised February 25, 2019

Individuals may broadcast or record public school district events, including open board meetings, as long as it does not interfere with or disrupt the school district event and it does not create an undue burden in adapting the buildings and sites to accommodate the request.

It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether the request is unduly burdensome and whether the broadcast or recording will interfere with or disrupt the school district event.

Recording of student and/or classroom activities will be allowed only at the discretion of the superintendent.  Parents will be notified prior to recording of classroom activities.

Approved February 12, 2014       
Reviewed March 20, 2024         
Revised February 25, 2019