MEDIA ACCESS TO STUDENTS

The Board of Education recognizes the important role the media serves in reporting information about the district’s program, 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 activities including athletic events provided their presence will 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.

Parents who do not want their student interviewed, photographed or videotaped by the media shall inform the school principal accordingly.

District employees may release student information to the media only in accordance with applicable provisions of the education records law and Board polices governing directory information and personally identifiable information.
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(Ct. 5125 – Student Records, Confidentiality)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statues
      1-19(b) (11) Access to public records. Exempt records.
      10-209 Records not to be public.
      Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Sec. 438, 20 U.S.C. Sec 1232g(1988).
      Education of the Handicapped Act of 1975, as amended and renamed Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Videotaping and filming of school district employees shall have the prior written consent of the building principal and the participating employees. If any student is to be filmed or videotaped and will be identified or a primary subject of the filming or videotaping, prior written consent/release/waiver shall be obtained from the student’s lawful custodian. If an employee or student is included in a film or videotape, but is not the primary subject, permission to show the tape or film shall be considered granted unless the school has been notified in writing to the contrary. Additionally, if a student has a disability or is exceptional and if such student will be identifiable as such on the film or videotape, prior written consent/release/waiver shall be obtained from the student’s lawful custodian. If film or videotape is used for any purpose other than the purpose set forth on the employee consent form, then release/waiver forms shall be obtained from each participating employee and his/her principal.