File: GBEE-E

 

Garfield School District RE-2 

Staff Responsible Use Agreement (RUA) 

Purpose

The Garfield Re-2 School District (“District”) is committed to providing technology resources to support effective instruction, professional collaboration, and administrative operations. This Staff Responsible Use Agreement (RUA) outlines expectations for responsible, ethical, and lawful use of District technology resources.

1. Definitions

Technology Resources: Any equipment, software, or service owned, leased, or provided by the District, including (but not limited to) computers, mobile devices, tablets, networks, wireless access points, internet access, cloud-based services, email systems, and District-issued accounts.

Users: Any District staff member (including teachers, administrators, and support staff), contractor, or volunteer authorized to access or use District technology resources.

Personal Devices: Staff-owned devices (e.g., smartphones, wearables, laptops, tablets) that may connect to the District’s network or otherwise access District data.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Tools: Any platform or software that uses artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms to produce content, analyze data, or automate tasks.

High-Risk Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems: AI systems that are utilized to make or substantially influence consequential decisions impacting students or staff, including decisions about educational opportunities, student assessments, staff evaluations, or access to resources. 

District Content: All materials, data, documents, communications, or other information created, stored, or transmitted on District technology resources.

2. Scope of Use

This agreement applies to all technology resources provided or supported by the District, whether used on or off District property. It also applies to personal devices when they connect to District networks or use District data.

3. District Ownership of Content

All content created by staff using District property, resources, or during work hours is the property of the District, unless otherwise specified by contract or law.

Staff are expected to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of District-owned digital content at all times.

4. Accessibility Requirements

In accordance with state law, staff are expected to ensure that any digital content created or used with any constituents of the district, including but not limited to students, staff, parents, and community members, is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

All digital materials, such as documents, presentations, and videos, should be designed or adapted to meet recognized accessibility standards to the greatest extent possible.

5. Responsible Use: Core Principles

Staff are encouraged to use District technology in ways that support learning, collaboration, and administrative efficiency. The following guidelines help maintain a respectful and productive digital environment:

5.1 Educational and Professional Focus

Utilize District technology resources for instructional, educational, or administrative tasks aligned with professional roles.

Select digital resources thoughtfully, ensuring they are age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned, and relevant to students’ learning or District operations.

 

5.2 Professional Conduct

Communicate in a manner that reflects positively on the District, showing respect in all online interactions (e.g., email, chat, forums).

Model civil discourse and responsible digital citizenship.

5.3 Respect for Copyright and Licensing

Verify that materials used, reproduced, or shared comply with copyright laws, licensing agreements, and fair use guidelines.

Provide proper credit for sources whenever necessary.

5.4 Protection of Confidential Information

Adhere to District policies and laws such as FERPA and COPPA when handling student/staff data.

Use secure passwords and unique logins to safeguard District data from unauthorized access.

6. Behaviors Not Aligned with Responsible Use

While most staff activity supports educational goals, certain actions undermine a safe and productive environment and should be avoided. Examples of behaviors that conflict with responsible use include:

6.1 Commercial or Personal Financial Gain

Using District resources to run or promote a personal business, commercial venture, or external private income streams.

6.2 Accessing or Sharing Inappropriate Content

Viewing, creating, or distributing content that is obscene, harassing, discriminatory, or hateful.

6.3 Bypassing Security Measures

Attempting to disable or circumvent District security settings, content filters, or other network protections.

6.4 Software or App Misuse

Installing unauthorized software or apps that violate licensing agreements or District policy.

6.5 Harassment or Bullying

Engaging in online behavior that violates District policies on bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

6.6 Violations of Privacy and Data Protection

Using District resources in ways that conflict with FERPA, COPPA, HIPAA (if applicable), or other relevant privacy laws.

7. Personal Device (BYOD) Use

7.1 Security and Updates

Personal devices used for District-related activities should have updated antivirus, operating systems, and strong password protection.

7.2 Responsible Network Access

Connect only to approved District networks. Avoid using workarounds or proxies to access blocked sites.

7.3 District Data Handling

Any District data stored on personal devices remains the property of the District and could be subject to open records requests or District review.

7.4 Liability Notice

The District is not responsible for personal data loss or device damage when staff use personal devices for District tasks.

8. Social Media and External Communication

8.1 Professional vs. Personal Presence

Keep a clear boundary between personal and professional social media accounts. Use official District channels for communicating school-related information where required.

8.2 Respectful Online Interactions

Maintain civil discourse and comply with District standards when referencing students, colleagues, or District matters on any social media platform.

8.3 Compliance with District Policies

Follow District guidelines for official pages, and never share confidential information (e.g., personally identifiable student data) on public forums.

9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use

Teachers are expected to understand and comply with state law, actively supporting district efforts to identify and mitigate risks related to high-risk AI systems in schools. This includes participating in professional development, promoting transparency, and clearly communicating with students and families about AI use in significant decisions. Teachers must use AI responsibly by protecting privacy, preventing algorithmic discrimination, and aligning all use with educational goals.

10. Security, Monitoring, and Data Governance

10.1 Monitoring of District Systems

The District may monitor staff use of its technology to ensure policy compliance and protect system integrity.

10.2 Reporting Concerns

Staff are required to promptly report suspicious activity, data breaches, or potential security risks to District technology administrators.

10.3 Data Retention and Open Records

Email, digital documents, and communications may be subject to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Staff should follow District guidelines on record retention and data storage.

11. Device Care and Handling

11.1 Proper Maintenance

District-owned devices must be kept in good working condition, and damage or technical issues must be promptly reported. District devices must be returned immediately to the technology department upon request.

11.2 Accountability and Enforcement

11.2.i Breaches

Breaches, especially those compromising student/staff privacy or District systems, may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, subject to District policy and applicable law.

11.2.ii Legal Implications

Activities deemed criminal or in violation of external regulations may be referred to law enforcement.

12. Training and Ongoing Compliance

12.1 Annual Training

Staff members are required to complete yearly technology training that addresses responsible use, cybersecurity, and relevant legal considerations (e.g., FERPA, COPPA).

 

12.2 Policy Updates

The District will communicate any updates to this RUA. Continued use of District technology resources implies acceptance of these changes.

 

Staff Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to uphold the Garfield Re-2 School District Staff Responsible Use Agreement (RUA). I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may also lead to legal or other consequences where applicable.

Staff Name (Printed): ___________________________________________

Staff Signature: ________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________

 

LEGAL REFS.: 

20 U.S.C. 6751 et seq. (Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2001) 

47 U.S.C. 254(h) (Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000) 

47 C.F.R. Part 54 Subpart F (Universal Support for School and Libraries) 

C.R.S. 22-87-101 et seq. (Children’s Internet Protection Act) 

Colorado HB 21-1110 (Accessibility of Digital Content)

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

 

CROSS REFS.: 

AC, Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity 

EGAEA, Electronic Communication 

JB, Equal Educational Opportunities

GBEB, Staff Conduct

GBGB, Staff Personal Security and Safety

GCQF-R, Discipline, Suspension and Dismissal of Professional Staff
 

Adoption Date: December 12, 2006

Revised Date: July 24, 2007

Revised Date: April 24, 2012

Revised Date:  August 27, 2025

 

Garfield School District No. Re-2, Rifle, Colorado