The Governing Board respects the public's desire for and right to information and recognizes that the media significantly influence the community's understanding of school programs, student achievement, and school safety. In order to develop and maintain positive media relations, the Board and Superintendent shall reasonably accommodate media requests for information and provide accurate, reliable, and timely information.
In conjunction with the Superintendent or designee, the Board shall periodically establish priorities and key messages for proactively communicating with the media regarding current district issues, activities, or needs.
(cf. 0400 - Comprehensive Plans)
(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)
(cf. 0460 - Local Control and Accountability Plan)
(cf. 0510 - School Accountability Report Card)
(cf. 1100 - Communication with the Public)
(cf. 1160 - Political Processes)
Media representatives are welcome at all public Board meetings and shall receive meeting agendas upon request in accordance with Board policy.
(cf. 9321 - Closed Session)
(cf. 9322 - Agenda/Meeting Materials)
Media representatives, like all other visitors, shall register immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session.
(cf. 1250 - Visitors/Outsiders)
(cf. 3515.2 - Disruptions)
Staff may provide the media with student directory information, as identified in AR 5125.1 - Release of Directory Information, unless the student's parent/guardian has submitted a written request that such information not be disclosed. The district shall not release other student records or personally identifiable student information that is private or confidential as required by law, Board policy, or administrative regulation.
(cf. 1340 - Access to District Records)
(cf. 4119.23/4219.23/4319.23 - Unauthorized Release of Confidential/Privileged Information)
(cf. 5125 - Student Records)
(cf. 5125.1 - Release of Directory Information)
(cf. 9010 - Public Statements)
(cf. 9324 - Minutes and Recordings)
Interviewing and Photographing Students
The district shall not impose restraints on students' right to speak freely with media representatives. However, interviewing and photographing students shall not create substantial disruption to the orderly operation of the school or impinge on the rights or safety of students. Therefore, the district shall encourage media representatives who wish to interview or photograph students at school to make prior arrangements with the principal.
(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression)
Media Contacts/Spokespersons
The Superintendent or designee shall identify the district's and/or site's primary media contact to whom all media inquiries shall be routed. Spokespersons designated to speak to the media on behalf of the district include the Board president, Superintendent, public information officer, or district communications director. Other Board members and/or staff may be asked by the Superintendent or designee to speak to the media on a case-by-case basis, depending on their expertise on an issue or appropriateness given a particular situation.
The Superintendent or designee shall provide training on effective media relations to all designated spokespersons.
(cf. 9240 - Board Training)
Crisis Communications Plan
The Superintendent or designee shall develop strategies for working with the media to provide timely and accurate information to students, parents/guardians, and the community during a crisis or natural disaster. The crisis communications plan may include, but not be limited to, identification of a media center, strategies for press conference logistics, and development and integration of both internal and external notification systems, including public address systems, social media, web site postings, and text alerts.
(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)
(cf. 1113 - District and School Web Sites)
(cf. 1114 - District-Sponsored Social Media)
(cf. 3516 - Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness Plan)
The Superintendent or designee shall include local law enforcement, media representatives, and district technology personnel in the crisis planning process.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
32210-32212 Willful disturbance of public school or meeting
35144 Special meetings
35145 Public meetings
35160 Authority of governing boards
35172 Promotional activities
48907 Freedom of speech and press
48950 Prohibition against disciplinary action for first amendment speech
49061 Definition of directory information
49073 Directory information
EVIDENCE CODE
1070 Refusal to disclose news source
PENAL CODE
627-627.10 Access to school premises
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
1232g Family educational and privacy rights
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 34
99.3 Definition of directory information
COURT DECISIONS
Lopez v. Tulare Joint Union High School District, (1995) 34 Cal.App.4th 1302
ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS
79 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 58 (1996)
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
Policy WOODLAKE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: September 11, 2019 Woodlake, California