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Manchester School District is committed to cultivating and maintaining an open and productive relationship with media outlets. Media outlets provide a public service, and the district recognizes it plays a role in assisting media outlets’ efforts to provide timely and accurate information about the city’s schools. The top priority of schools is to educate students and ensure the safety and privacy of all students, staff, and families. 

For purposes of this policy, media outlets can include but are not limited to traditional news outlets such as newspapers, television and radio, as well as websites, blogs and podcasts. 

The Superintendent and/ or their designee is authorized to respond to media inquiries in their official capacity for the Manchester School District. Any other staff retain the right to speak in their individual capacity but may not attribute their individual viewpoints to the District as a whole. All staff must protect the privacy of students and other staff and may not disclose or allude to any confidential information including confidential student data as protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). Any staff member seeking guidance or support may contact the Communications Office for support in responding to media inquiries. 

It is critically important to protect the privacy of students and staff while determining what information is a matter of public record and what must remain confidential. Only a student whose parent or guardian has signed and returned a communications release form may be recorded, filmed, photographed, or interviewed by news media or district staff for the purpose of promoting school events and initiatives. 

Policy History: 

First Reading (Policy Committee): 2/16/22, and 4/20/22

Second Reading and BOSC Adoption: 5/9/22