Skip To Main Content

Acceptable Use Policy & Device Contract 2026-2027

Midland ISD

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Purpose

Midland Independent School District (MISD) provides access to its technology systems to support teaching, learning, administration, and district operations. The purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to ensure that all use of district technology resources is legal, ethical, safe, and aligned with educational objectives.

Access to district technology systems is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked at any time for violations of this policy.

Definition of District Technology System

The District Technology System includes all current and future technology resources owned, leased, or operated by MISD, including but not limited to:

  • Computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices
  • Servers, networks, wired and wireless infrastructure
  • Internet access and district-filtered public Wi-Fi
  • Cloud-based services, storage, and software applications
  • Email, messaging, and collaboration platforms
  • Learning management systems and instructional applications
  • Telephones, cellular phones, voicemail, copiers, scanners, and fax machines
  • Databases, virtual environments, and digital records
  • Audio, video, images, and digitized information
  • Emerging or new technologies adopted by the district

This policy applies to students, staff, volunteers, contractors, guests, and board members (“users”).

 

Educational Purpose and Scope of Use

District technology systems exist primarily for:

  • Classroom instruction and learning
  • Career and college readiness
  • Educational research and self-discovery
  • District administration and operations

Limited personal use by staff is permitted if it:

  • Does not interfere with job responsibilities
  • Does not incur cost to the district
  • Does not violate district policy or the law

Commercial use, political lobbying, and income-generating activities are prohibited.

 

Access and Privileges

  • Students will be provided access to district technology systems unless a parent or guardian submits a written request denying access.
  • Students under the age of 18 require parent/guardian consent.
  • All users must sign this agreement annually.
  • Non-staff and non-student users must receive approval from a campus administrator or supervisor.

 

Monitoring, Privacy, and Ownership of Data

  • Use of district technology systems is not private.
  • MISD reserves the right to monitor, access, review, copy, modify, delete, or disclose any data transmitted or stored on district systems at any time.
  • Users should not expect confidentiality in any communication or file stored on or transmitted through district systems.
  • Personal devices connected to district systems may be examined during investigations involving security, policy violations, or legal compliance.

 

Internet Safety and Filtering

MISD complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

  • Internet access is filtered for students and staff.
  • Filtering is not foolproof; staff are responsible for supervising student use during instructional time.
  • Attempts to bypass filtering, including the use of VPNs, proxies, or alternate DNS services, are strictly prohibited.

 

Acceptable Use Expectations

Users are expected to:

  • Use technology resources responsibly and ethically
  • Follow district policies, campus rules, and applicable laws
  • Demonstrate good digital citizenship and online behavior
  • Protect account credentials and report security concerns immediately

 

Prohibited Uses

Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Violating local, state, or federal law
  • Harassment, bullying, threats, or discriminatory conduct
  • Accessing, creating, or distributing obscene, pornographic, or harmful material
  • Unauthorized access to systems, accounts, or data
  • Circumventing security controls or filtering systems
  • Impersonation or forgery of digital communications
  • Spamming, chain letters, or mass unsolicited messaging
  • Installing or executing unauthorized software or extensions
  • Introducing malware or disrupting system operations
  • Commercial use or political advocacy using district resources
  • Unauthorized recording, photographing, or publishing of others

Attempts to engage in prohibited activities are considered violations, regardless of success.

 

Email, Communication, and Digital Tools

  • District-issued email accounts are for instructional and district-related communication.
  • Students in grades 2–12 may use district email accounts in accordance with district rules and parental consent requirements.
  • External email accounts and unapproved messaging platforms are not permitted on district systems.
  • Digital learning tools, LMS platforms, blogs, and discussion forums are considered extensions of the classroom.
  • Language and behavior that would be inappropriate in a classroom are also inappropriate online.

 

Communications with Students (Staff)

Staff communication with students must:

  • Be professional and within the scope of job responsibilities
  • Occur through district-approved platforms
  • Avoid private, secretive, or inappropriate content

Staff have no expectation of privacy in communications with students or parents.

 

Personal Safety and Privacy (Students)

Students should not:

  • Share personal contact information
  • Agree to meet individuals encountered online
  • Share passwords or account credentials

Students should immediately report inappropriate or concerning online interactions to a staff member.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Use of AI tools in academic work must be approved by the instructor.
  • AI-assisted work must be properly cited when permitted.
  • Misrepresentation of AI-generated work as original student work may constitute academic dishonesty.

 

System Security

Users must:

  • Protect passwords and authentication credentials
  • Report suspected security incidents immediately
  • Refrain from probing, testing, or exploiting system vulnerabilities

Unauthorized attempts to access, disrupt, or compromise systems are prohibited.

 

Software, Files, and Data

  • Installation or download of software requires approval from the Technology Department.
  • Files stored on district systems or approved cloud platforms are subject to monitoring.
  • Sensitive or confidential data must be stored and transmitted using district-approved methods.
  • Student data may not be shared with any third-party, such as a vendor, application, or service, unless the district Technology Services has an approved Data Privacy Agreement (DPA) or other authorized data-sharing agreement in place.

 

Personal Devices and BYOD

  • MISD may provide filtered public Wi-Fi for personal devices.
  • Personal devices are the responsibility of the owner.
  • The district does not provide technical support for personal devices.
  • Devices connected to district systems may be examined during investigations.

 

District-Issued Devices

Users are responsible for the care of district-issued devices.

  • Only authorized MISD personnel may repair devices.
  • Parents/guardians are financially responsible for damage or loss beyond normal wear.
  • Devices are filtered and monitored both on and off campus.

 

Public Information and Records Retention (Staff)

  • District business conducted on personal or district devices is subject to the Texas Public Information Act.
  • Employees must preserve and transfer district records upon request.
  • Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

 

Due Process and Enforcement

MISD will:

  • Investigate alleged violations
  • Provide users an opportunity to respond
  • Apply consequences proportionate to the violation

Consequences may include:

  • Loss or suspension of access
  • Disciplinary action
  • Restitution for damages
  • Legal action where applicable

 

Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

MISD provides technology systems on an “as-is” basis and does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free service. The district is not responsible for data loss, service interruptions, or the accuracy of information accessed through district systems.

 

Agreement

By using MISD technology systems, users acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy.

Parent/Guardian and student acknowledgments will be obtained annually as required.


____________________________ Date: ______________ Parent/Guardian Signature

 

____________________________ Date: ______________Staff Signature