Public Information Program - 4120P

Principals are encouraged to initiate media coverage of their school programs and activities. The Superintendent/designee shall authorize the release of information when the topic being covered involves more than one building. The following guidelines relate to the public information program whose parents have signed a form to withhold directory information.

1. During regular school hours, all media representatives must report to the building office for identification and authorization before going to any part of the building or contacting any individual.
2. A staff member should secure authorization from the principal before contacting the media on behalf of the school. This shall not preclude a staff member from contacting the media as a private individual.

Information will be released to the news media and general public as prescribed by applicable statutes governing public record, open meetings and public disclosure. School administrators and the Communications Director will work together to ensure that factual and accurate information is available to the news media and to the public. The following guidelines relate to the public information program:

1. Media representatives should be encouraged to contact the Communications Office before entering individual district facilities.
2. All media representatives must report to the building office for identification and authorization before going to any part of the building or contacting any individual, including staff. The building principal may restrict media access to students or staff on school property during school operating hours.
3. Building administration should determine if the Communications Office is aware of the media inquiry. If not, the building principal is responsible for notifying the Communications Office as soon as reasonably possible.
4. Media representatives should be kept fully informed on all aspects of programs so that reporting will be as accurate as possible.
5. Media representatives may not photograph students unless the school building principal has parental/guardian authorization. If a student’s parent/guardian has indicated the student’s name and or photo is not to be released, media representatives may not photograph the student or publish his/her name.

Date: 11/13/01