Policy Title: East Buchanan Network and Internet Policy Code No: 604.12


Internet Purpose:

a. To enhance innovative education through access to unique resources and collaborations, and

b. To improve learning and teaching through research, teacher training, collaboration and dissemination of successful educational practices, methods, and materials.

Network Purpose:

a. To give you storage space for your class-related work; and

b. To give you convenience in accessing this storage space.

1. Access

Access to the Internet and the East Buchanan Network is a privilege, not a right, and persons who misuse this privilege will be denied access. With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.

East Buchanan has taken available precautions to restrict access to controversial materials, to provide for the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; to limit unauthorized access, including so-called "hacking," and other unlawful activities by minors online; to prevent unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and to establish measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors. The district has established a firewall to protect our network and to filter the information coming through the Internet connection into the network or computer system.

However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. East Buchanan firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of this district. In addition, East Buchanan has taken available precautions to filter inappropriate materials.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a East Buchanan user violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.

2. Guidelines and Responsibilities of Network and/or Internet Users

a. Never share your password or account with anyone. You have full responsibility for the use of your account. All violations of this policy that can be traced to an individual account name will be treated as the sole responsibility of the owner of that account;

b. Do not knowingly degrade the performance of the Network or Internet;

c. Obey the rules of copyright. The East Buchanan Network and Internet members must respect all copyright issues regarding software, information, and attributions of authorship. Commercial software may not be installed on the system without the express permission of the system administrators;

d. Use of the Network or the Internet for any illegal activities is prohibited. Illegal activities include tampering with computer hardware or software, unauthorized entry into computers, or knowledgeable vandalism or destruction of computer files. Such activity is considered a crime under state and federal law;

e. Avoid the knowing or inadvertent spread of computer viruses. “Computer viruses” are programs that have been developed as pranks, and can destroy valuable programs and data. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance of the East Buchanan Network or any other computer system or network on the Internet by spreading computer viruses is considered criminal activity under state and federal law;

f. Use appropriate language. Profanity or obscenity will not be tolerated on the East Buchanan Network or the Internet. All community members should use language appropriate for school situations as indicated by school codes of conduct.

4. Damages

East Buchanan makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. East Buchanan will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by it’s own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via Internet or the East Buchanan Network is at your own risk. East Buchanan specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its service.

5. Vandalism

Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, East Buchanan Network or other Networks that are connected to the Internet backbone. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

6. Exception of Terms and Conditions

All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the East Buchanan Community School District. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and Interpreted in accordance with the laws of Iowa and the United State of America.

7. Violations

Any violations of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Persons violating the East Buchanan Network and Internet Policy will be dealt with as follows:

First Offense All access privileges will be revoked for six (6) school months. The offender will be responsible for costs incurred in bringing the Network back into working order. Privileges will be suspended until the time is served and restitution is made.

Second Offense All access privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the students years at East Buchanan. The offender will be responsible for making restitution to the district for damages done.


Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 256.11, 279.8, 280.3, .14 (1995)
670 I.A.C. 3.2, 3.3(12).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(2), .3(7), .5; 41.10(9).

Cross Reference:


Approved Reviewed Revised .
Certification and Application East Buchanan Network and Internet Policy
Code No: 604.12