4111 Release of Information and Spokesperson for the District

Policies

Middletown Public Schools                                                                                               No. 4111

Code of Conduct – Release of Information and Spokesperson for the District

RELEASE OF INFORMATION AND SPOKESPERSON FOR THE DISTRICT

The Middletown School Department strives to have a positive and transparent relationship with parents, students and the general public.  However, responses to requests for information shall only be made after careful consideration of the rights of confidentiality of students and employees.  Additionally, the School Committee is desirous of establishing a single spokesperson for the District with respect to the release of information regarding the students or District employees.

In this regard, and in the absence of a directive of the School Committee to the contrary, there shall be only two spokespersons for the School District, the Chairperson of the Middletown School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools (or his/her designee).

Staff members shall not disclose any information to the media concerning other staff members or students without written permission from the Superintendent of Schools.  Further, all requests for such information shall be immediately related to the Superintendent’s office.

Staff members are expected to use good judgment in their relationships with the media and the general public.  They shall not hold themselves out as either official spokesperson for the District nor an official source of information regarding the same.

Except in the role of their job responsibility, staff members shall not disclose any information concerning a student or a staff member, other than directory information, to any person not authorized to receive such information.  This includes, but is not limited to, information concerning assessments, ability scores, grades, behavior, mental or physical health and/or family background that has been acquired as a result of their employment with the District.

Consequences for violation of this policy may range from a written reprimand to termination of the employee.

1st Reading – August 7, 2018

2nd Reading and Approval – August 28, 2018