A new social media “Rules of Engagement” policy was approved Monday, Sept. 9, by the Bellefontaine Schools’ Board during their monthly meeting.
This policy sets guidelines for community interaction on the district’s official social media pages, including Facebook and Instagram.
The new policy encourages civil discussions and reminds users that comments do not reflect the opinions or policies of the district.
The district reserves the right to remove comments that are abusive, racist, sexist, violent, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate, “but assumes no obligation” to do so, the policy states. Social media comments are moderated by the BCS communications coordinator.
Additionally, comments promoting illegal activity, falsehoods, or off-topic discussions will also be subject to removal. Personal attacks on students, staff, or other individuals are not allowed, and users are encouraged to report any abusive content.
The guidelines emphasize that all posts must comply with platform-specific terms of use and that student and staff usage of social media is governed by the district’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) when using school-owned technology. A full copy of the policy will be posted on the district’s website and linked from all social media accounts.
In other business, Bellefontaine High School Robotics Advisor Jordan Reser presented three proposed out-of-state trips for the school’s Robotics team this school year. The team plans to compete in three events: Riverbots in Monroe, Michigan Dec. 13-14; Sugar Rush in Hershey, Pennsylvania Jan. 3-4; and Gateway in Triadelphia, West Virginia Feb. 2-3. If successful, the team hopes to qualify for the World Championship in Dallas in May.
“Problem-solving skills learned in Robotics help students apply these lessons to their own life, whether it’s helping a friend or even fixing a car,” Reser said. He highlighted the growing interest in Robotics among students, noting increased participation over the past few years.
Reser also presented details about the annual 8th-grade trip to Washington, DC. Approximately 100 students, along with chaperones, will visit the nation’s capital in May. The four-day trip, guided by Student Adventures, will cost $910 per student. The board will consider approving both the Robotics trips and the 8th-grade trip at an upcoming meeting.
In addition to the trip proposals, the board approved several routine items, including financial reports and a resolution accepting the tax rate certification from the Logan County Budget Commission.
Numerous salary adjustments were approved for teachers, along with appointments for mentor teachers, instructional team leaders, and building leadership team members.
The board also accepted resignations, including Tricia Baker as High School Chieftain Leaders advisor and Matt Bender as High School Boys Soccer assistant coach; and approved supplemental contracts for various positions, including Meghan Ashcraft as High School Girls basketball head coach.
Finally, the board approved the hiring of substitute teachers, educational aides and other supplemental service positions.
The board will hold a special session at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept 17 to discuss district goals. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Distance Learning Center at Bellefontaine High School.