Administrative Procedure 151

MEDIA RELATIONS

Background

The news media are an important vehicle through which the School informs stakeholders and increases public awareness and support for public education and choices such as Charter Schools. Notwithstanding, the School has an obligation to protect its students and staff from unwelcome intrusions into the operations of the School.

Procedures

1. Information releases, which accurately communicate the Charter Board’s business to the public, may only be issued by persons authorized by the Charter Board Policy re: Role of the Charter Board Chair.
2. The Superintendent shall approve all information released to the media from the School.
3. Representatives of the media may be permitted into the School for legitimate reporting and promotional purposes. This is at the discretion of the Principal. Particular care must be exercised in protecting the rights of students when media are present.
3.1 Appropriate School release forms are to be completed.
4. Media representatives shall not be allowed to disrupt the normal operation of the School or a class for the sole purpose of information gathering. This includes the interviewing of School employees and/or students during regular class times.
5. Media representatives may be asked by the Principal or Superintendent to leave the premises or grounds where it is deemed to be in the best interests of the students and staff to do so.
6. In the event of emergency or crisis interactions, the Superintendent shall determine what information shall be given to the media, and by whom. In the event the Superintendent is unavailable, the Principal will consult with the Board Chair regarding what information will be given to the media.

References: Section 25, 26, 33, 52, 53, 55, 68, 196, 197, 222, 225
Education Act Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act