Board Policy

BP 1112

Community Relations

Media Relations

The Board of Education respects the public's right to information and recognizes that the media significantly influences the public's understanding of school issues and can greatly assist the district in informing the community about school programs and issues. Media representatives are welcome at all Board meetings and shall receive meeting announcements and agendas upon request.

(cf. 9320 - Meetings and Notices)

The Superintendent or designee shall develop a plan for proactive communications with the media. The Superintendent or designee and principal or designee of each school may provide the media with information related to district programs and needs, student awards, school accomplishments and events of special interest. All media inquiries shall be routed to the Superintendent or designee. Spokespersons designated to speak to the media on behalf of the district include the Board president and Superintendent. Other Board members and staff may be asked by the Superintendent or designee to speak to the media on a case-by-case basis, depending on their expertise on an issue and their communications skills. The district shall not release information which is private or confidential as identified by law and Board policy or administrative regulation.

(cf. 0510 - School Accountability Report Card)

(cf. 1100 - Communication with the Public)

(cf. 1160 - Political Processes)

(cf. 1340 - Access to District Records)

(cf. 4119.23 - Unauthorized Release of Confidential/Privileged Information)

(cf. 5125 - Student Records)

(cf. 5125.1 - Release of Directory Information)

(cf. 9010 - Public Statements)

During a disturbance or crisis situation, the first priority of school staff is to address the situation. Media inquiries shall be routed to the Superintendent or designee, who shall make an official statement at his/her discretion.

(cf. 0450 - Comprehensive Safety Plan)

(cf. 3516 - Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan)

Media representatives shall register immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session.

(cf. 1250 - Visitors/Outsiders)

(cf. 3515.2 - Disruptions)

Media representatives who wish to interview or photograph students at school shall make prior arrangements with the principal so as to facilitate smooth operations, prevent delay, and preclude the possibility of disturbances on campus. This also allows the principal to arrange for interview times that will not interfere with students' class attendance.

The district shall not impose restraints on students' right to speak freely with media representatives at times which do not disrupt the educational program. At their discretion, parents/guardians may instruct their children not to communicate with media representatives.

(cf. 5145.2 - Freedom of Speech/Expression: Publications Code)

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

32210 Willful disturbance of public school or meeting

32211 Threatened disruption or interference with classes

32212 Classroom interruptions

35144 Special meetings

35145 Public meetings

35145.5 Agenda; public participation

35146 Closed sessions

35160 Authority of Board of Educations

35172 Promotional activities

PENAL CODE

627-627.10 Access to school premises

ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS

95 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen. 509 (1996)

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: December 11, 2000 Palos Verdes Estates, California