Agenda Item
2. FIRST READ: Amendment to the Bylaws & Policies: Board Policy: IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use
Summary: Presented by: Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief Legal Officer, Division of Legal Services
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education accept the proposed revisions to Board Policy IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use to lay on the table as a first read at the June 15, 2026, board meeting for stakeholder feedback until June 29, 2026, and be considered for adoption at a future board meeting.
Why: These policy revisions are being proposed for language updates and for language clarifications.
Details: Board Policy IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use. The proposed policy includes language clarifications and updates related to social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in alignment with state requirements. There will also be supporting regulations specifically addressing equipment use, social media and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Policy Committee reviewed the proposed revisions and recommended placing this policy on today’s agenda as a First Read.
Financial impact: No Financial Impact
Contact: Mr. H. Eric Hilton, Chief Legal Officer, Division of Legal Services
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
Board Policy Manual
DeKalb County School District
Board Policy IFBG: Internet Acceptable Use Status: DRAFT
Original Adopted Date: 01/01/1900 | Last Revised Date: 07/11/2011 | Last
Reviewed Date: 05/03/2026
CLEAN VERSION
I. Purpose
The DeKalb County School District (“DCSD” or “District”) provides
technology resources, including internet access, to support the district’s
educational mission and enhance teaching, learning, and operational
efficiency. The district is committed to safeguarding its students,
employees, partners, and technology infrastructure. Employees and
students uncertain about appropriate technology use must seek
clarification from their supervisor, teacher, or school administrator.
II. Definitions
A.Student Data: Personally identifiable information, including
names, addresses, identification numbers, contact information,
or other data protected by law.
B.Users: Any individual who accesses or uses district technology
or digital infrastructure.
III. General Use
A.District technology resources will only be used for
educational, research, and official district purposes consistent
with the district’s mission and goals.
B.All users must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement
acknowledging understanding of this policy and its
accompanying regulations.
C.Parent/guardian access and complaint procedures are outlined
in Regulation IFBG-R(1).
IV. Internet Safety
The Superintendent or designee will:
A.Implement and maintain technology protection measures to
block or filter internet content that is obscene, pornographic,
or harmful to minors, as required by law and Board Policy
JCDAG.
B.Provide instruction on appropriate online behavior, including
social networking, chat room interaction, and cyberbullying
prevention, consistent with CIPA and Board Policy JCDAG.
C.Develop and enforce regulations to monitor network use,
prevent unauthorized access, and ensure data security.
D.Implement technical and administrative safeguards to protect
the integrity of district networks and user data.
E. Educate students, employees, and contractors on emergent
technologies, ethical use, and information security risks.
F. Establish disciplinary consequences for violations of this policy
and supporting regulations.
V. Employee Use of Technology
A.Employees will use district technology resources primarily for
job-related duties.
B.Limited incidental personal use is permitted only if it does not
interfere with job performance, district operations, or legal
and ethical obligations.
C.Employees are responsible for the proper use, security, and
confidentiality of their accounts, passwords, and files.
D.All suspected security breaches or misuse will be reported
immediately to the Chief Information Officer and the Director
for Information and Network Security.
E. The district retains ownership, control, and supervisory rights
over all technology resources and may monitor usage at any
time. Users have no expectation of privacy in their use of
district technology, including email and stored files.
F. Employees must exercise sound judgment when using
technology and ensure the confidentiality of student and staff
personally identifiable information.
G.Teachers, staff, and volunteers supervising student technology
use will ensure compliance with this policy and promptly
report violations to the principal or appropriate administrator.
H.Employees may be held financially responsible for losses or
damages resulting from misuse.
VI. Student Use of Technology
A.Students will use district technology resources for educational
and school-related purposes in accordance with this policy,
whether on or off campus and during or outside of
instructional hours.
B.Students may not use technology to engage in conduct that
violates the Student Code of Conduct, including but not
limited to plagiarism, cheating, harassment, or bullying.
C.Students must comply with all provisions of this policy and
related regulations.
D.Student use of social media, whether on district or personal
devices, must comply with this policy and Regulation
IFBG-R(2).
VII. Authority and Responsibility
The superintendent or designee will:
A.Develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.
B.Ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation of district
technology use and internet safety measures.
C.Provide regular training for staff and students on responsible
technology use and emerging risks.