acceptable use practices and most effective use of resources are foremost priorities of the Technology Steering Committee .
Modifications to an individual building network infrastructure and use will almost always affect LAN performance and quite often will have an impact on the efficiency of the WAN . For this reason , any additional network electronics including , but not limited to , switches , routers , and wireless access points are to be purchased , installed , and configured only by Network Services .
Network Devices
Before any network devices can be added to an individual building ’ s network , Network Services must grant permission . To gain this permission , a letter should be written to the supervisor of Network Services detailing the need and intended use .
In the case of servers , the letter must also include the information content of the server , along with the name and credentials of a staff member who ultimately will be responsible for the use , maintenance , and content of the server .
Authorization of Building Remote Access
Staff wanting remote access to the district network must submit an application to the Network Services department . Upon approval of the application , Network Services will supply remote access to district computing resources . The remote access user must follow recommended security practices of the network , including the use of up-to-date antivirus software .
Basic Standards for Desktops and Laptop Computers
• Employing Active Directory when logging onto district computers and servers provides a high level of security when using districtdefined password criteria ( password requirements are addressed later in this document ).
• Your computer should be secured whenever it is not in use by invoking the password on the computer and / or logging off the network . Leaving a computer open or logged in while you are away enables anyone to potentially access your grade book , email , and other information-sensitive files .
• Desktop and laptop computers connected to the network must have an up-to-date version of antivirus software with current definition files .
• All district workstations should be completely powered off at the end of each workday .
Maintenance of Local Hard Drives
Situations do occur that require hard drives to be reformatted and erased .
• Only software considered part of the “ district image ,” which is consistent throughout the district , will be reinstalled .
• Approved software purchased by the building will need to be reinstalled by the building technology support staff . With this in mind , installation disks of specific school purchased software should be kept in an identified location at your building .
• Unlicensed software will not be reinstalled , nor will we be able to retrieve personal data files from the local hard drive .
• Individuals are responsible for making backups of their data files . Removable Media
All removable media ( USB devices , external hard drives , CDs , flash drives , etc .) with sensitive data must be securely protected with a password or stored in a secure location . Software and Hardware Purchases
Keep in mind that not all software available may work on our district computers or network . By the same token , not all hardware is compatible with our network . Therefore , it is essential that all curriculum areas , central departments , and site technology staff collaborate with Network Services , Desktop Services , and their Technology Facilitator before decisions involving purchases of hardware or software are made .
• Software should be ordered directly through the district Purchasing Department , using the TIES finance system . Information on standard district software can be found on the district website , Purchasing Department pages .
• No unlicensed software should be installed on district computers .
• For technology / hardware purchases , refer to the district website , Technology Purchasing pages . For items not listed on the website , contact your technology facilitator .
Passwords
All users that have access to the district WAN , either to access files on servers or to use the district email system , must maintain a password for their account .
Users are not authorized to share their user credentials with anyone , except with authorized technology support staff . Users who share their credentials ( username and password ) will lose access to all district resources / applications for at least one day and will be counseled by their supervisor / teacher about the acceptable use guidelines . All users are required to change the default password assigned when their network account is created .
Electronic Devices
The District defines electronic devices as , but not limited to , the following :
• Laptop and desktop computers
• Tablets
• Wireless email and text-messaging devices , i . e ., iPod
• Smart Phones
For purposes of this document , the term “ Personal Electronic Device ” refers to staff- or student owned electronic devices .
District Electronic Device Standards and Support
District technology staff provides basic installation , synchronization , and specific software support for district electronic devices . District technology support staff includes the building ’ s technology teacher , technology para , and technology facilitator , as well as Network Services , Desktop Services , and Communications Technology Department staff . Buildings should purchase an extended protection plan ( warranty ) in situations where conditions promote breakage .
District electronic devices contain sensitive data , posing a security risk to both individuals and the school district . These devices also have the added risk of being stolen , misplaced , or left unattended . Therefore , password protection is required on all District electronic devices . In cases where the device is lost or stolen , the owner ’ s direct supervisor must be notified . If the user is using active sync with the device in order to check district email , the device owner and / or supervisor must inform the Communications Technology
52 ahschools . us / policies 2022-23 School Handbook