Policy 4120 - Staff Communications, Publicity, Public Information, and Publications

Staff members share the responsibility for communicating the district mission, its policies, programs, goals and objectives to members of the community. Staff shall perform their services and functions to the best of their ability and communicate with members of the community, parents, students and other staff in a timely, sincere, courteous and considerate manner. Employees have numerous methods of communication with parents and students, yet are reminded that all electronic communications are governed by Policy and Regulation 5270. 

Staff shall strive to develop and maintain cooperative school-community relations and to achieve the understanding and mutual respect that are essential to the success of any organization. 

Confidential information about students or other staff shall be released only as permitted by statute and district policies and procedures. 

The District and schools shall use electronic communication systems and district publications in an effort to keep the community, parents, students and employees informed concerning the district’s operation and program. 

Releases covering district-wide policies and those involving controversial subjects shall be approved by the superintendent or designee prior to release. 

The Richland School District No. 400 shall provide the Cities of West Richland and Richland, leadership of exclusive bargaining units, and local media outlets with copies of future board agendas. Adopted minutes from board meetings shall be placed on the District web site. 

The District’s printing and reproduction equipment is to be used solely for the business of the district and that of affiliated organizations. District publications may be made available to other organizations. District publications may be made available to other organizations provided cost of production is reclaimed. 

Adoption: