JOD : Media Access to Students

Code: JOD

Adopted: 9/12/07

Revised/Readopted: 6/09/10; 9/28/22

Orig. Code: JOD

The Board recognizes the important role the media serves in reporting information about the district’s programs, services and activities. Therefore, the district will make every reasonable effort to provide media access to students.

School administrators shall be authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students in their respective schools. The media may interview and photograph students involved in instructional programs and school-sponsored activities, including athletic events. Such media access shall not be unduly disruptive and shall comply with Board policies and district goals.

Media representatives shall be required to report to the administration for prior approval before accessing students involved in instructional programs and activities not attended by the general public. The district reserves the right to delay, restrict and/or deny access in order to maintain safety, manage emergencies and comply with state, federal, and/or local laws regarding privacy and rights of students and staff.

Information obtained by media representatives directly from students does not require parental approval prior to publication by the media. Parents who do not want their student interviewed or photographed by the media may direct their student accordingly.

District employees may release student information to the media only in accordance with applicable provisions of the education records law and Board policies governing directory information and personally identifiable information.

Parents will be advised of this policy at the time of the student’s registration and each fall in the student/parent handbook.