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Community Relations

News Media Relationships

Schools are public institutions serving the educational needs of the community.  Therefore, it is important that information be disseminated concerning programs, activities, and significant school events.  The Board recognizes the important role the media serves in reporting information about the District’s program, services and activities. Therefore, the District will make reasonable efforts to provide media access to students.

To ensure that publicity is coordinated with a common effort and purpose, the following shall be followed with news media:

1.  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.

2.  School administrators are authorized to grant permission and set parameters for media access to students in their respective schools.

3.  The media may interview and photograph students involved in instructional programs and school activities including athletic events if authorized by the Principal provided that their presence will not be unduly disruptive.

4.  If, in the judgment of the administration, the presence of any photographer, broadcaster, or news journalist causes such disruption that orderly conduct of the activity becomes unfeasible, access by these individuals may be limited to the extent necessary to remove disruption.

5.  News media personnel who intend to photograph, broadcast, or record for broadcast student activities shall provide appropriate identification to the school administrator, if requested, prior to access.

6.  Only news media personnel employed by a newspaper, radio or television broadcasting company, or personnel of a recognized student news medium assigned to cover the activity shall be permitted to photograph, broadcast, or record for broadcast, such activity.

7.  Media representatives wishing to photograph or identify particular students, must obtain parental or guardian approval as well as school administrator permission.

8.  In the case of photographs, videotapes, and/or articles referring to students involved in athletic events parental or guardian permission may be provided on an annual basis.  

9.  Parents who do not want their student interviewed, photographed or videotaped by the media shall inform the school Principal accordingly.  Parents who do not want their student interviewed, photographed or videotaped by the media shall inform the school Principal accordingly.  Parents who do not want their student interviewed or photographed by the media should direct their child accordingly.

Legal Reference:   Connecticut General Statutes

1-226 Recording, broadcasting or photographing meetings

Policy adopted: