Elections, FERPA, and Social Media OH MY PTSA & District Elections, FERPA, and Social Media OH MY

Political Messages – The Law The Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) states that schools may not use ANY resources to promote or disparage political candidates, legislative bills, or ballot measures.

PTSA don’ts per the PDC PTSA may not use District IT systems, email, table space at an event, copy machines, or employee time during school hours with regard to an election. May not promote messages such as “Vote Yes! Vote No! Call your legislator! Vote for Senator Smith!” with school time or resources May not post advocacy messages on your homepage if you link from a school or district website.

What CAN PTSA do? Rent facility space at schools to plan campaigns. Mail or email their membership on an issue with private (non school district) resources. Help distribute factual and informational messages and materials provided by the District. Clear messages with the Director of Communications if using District resources or time. (A school event or via E-News or Peachjar). When in doubt, give me a shout!

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act - FERPA FERPA allows families to opt out of having any personal information released by the District in any of our electronic or print publications including first and last names, photos, videos, recordings, and classwork. PTSA may only use names and photos of students if the District provided access to them during the school day or at a school- sanctioned event.

Permission Please do not assume that it is OK to use photos or videos. Every child needs to be cleared, so check with your school secretary for students with FERPA letters on file. If you receive information from the District, a mailing list or directory information, for example, it will have been pre-cleared.

A Word About Social Media Think before you post! No one is allowed to take photos or videos inside a classroom without permission. Posting to a private, password protected, OPT-IN school or classroom photo collection like Snapfish is OK, but only cleared students may be shown. Never tag students on Facebook etc. These rules do not apply to public events where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, but please use common sense and respect others’ privacy all the same.

Advertising Fundraisers – Caution! The District’s Access to Resources Policy states that District resources may not be used to promote commercial activity. An example could be a dentist coming in and passing out promotional items… it is OK for them to come and give a presentation, but not to hand out toothbrushes with their dentistry practice on it. Another example is a restaurant offering a discount and giving money back to the school.

Thank you for all you do! Let’s keep the lines of communication open. Be sure to talk to your school principal and staff if you have questions. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions as well! L. Michelle Email: michellel@issaquah.wednet.edu Desk Phone: 425-837-7004