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 supervi-
sor of Network Services detailing the need and intended use.
In the case of servers, the letter must also include the informa-
tion 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 ap-
proval 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 district-defined 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 dis-
trict 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.
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• 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 web-
site, 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. In addition, all staff users must change their password
every 120 days (this includes a 14-day reminder period) or on
request from building technology support personnel.
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, synchroniza-
tion, and specific software support for district electronic devices.
District technology support staff includes the building’s technol-
ogy teacher, technology para, and technology facilitator, as well
as Network Services, Desktop Services, and Communications
Technology Department staff. Buildings should purchase an ex-
tended 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 Department to ensure sensitive
data can be removed from the device.
Staff-Owned Electronic Device Standards and Support
District technology staff are not responsible for supporting staff-
owned electronic devices. Users can access their district email
using District-approved security protocols, which currently include
https:// or SSL and are listed in the Guidelines for Staff Access to
ahschools.us/policies
2019-20 School Handbook