E­MAIL FOR EMPLOYEES

FILE: EFAA Cf: IFBGA

All messages distributed via the St. Mary Parish Board’s e­mail system, even personal e­ mails, are St. Mary School Board property. There can be no expectation of privacy in anything that is created, stored, sent, or received on the Board’s e­mail system. E­mails can be monitored without prior notification if St. Mary Parish School Board deems this necessary. If there is evidence of failure to adhere to the guidelines set out in this policy, the St. Mary Parish School Board reserves the right to take disciplinary measures, including termination and/or legal action.

It is strictly prohibited to:

• Send or forward e­mails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist, or obscene remarks. If an e­mail of this nature is received, the user must promptly notify his/her supervisor.
• Resend private or confidential information without the direct consent of the person initiating the e­mail.
• Send unsolicited mass e­mail messages or chain mail.
• Forge or attempt to forge e­mail messages, or disguise or attempt to disguise one’s identity when sending mail.

DUTY OF CARE

Users must take care in drafting an e­mail as they would for any other communication. Confidential information should not be sent via e­mail.

PERSONAL USAGE

Although St. Mary Parish School Board’s e­mail system is meant for business use, the Board allows personal usage if it is reasonable and does not interfere with work.

DISCLAIMER

All messages shall be appended with the following disclaimer: “This message is intended only for the named recipient. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.”

DECLARATION

Each user shall read, and with his/her signature, agree to comply with the guidelines set out in this policy and understand that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Ref:     Board minutes, 6­10­04 St. Mary Parish School Board