Loup City Public Schools SMS Usage Policy

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of Short Message Service (SMS) communication by Loup City Public Schools to ensure responsible and secure usage while safeguarding the privacy of our community members.

Scope:
This policy applies to all SMS communications sent by or on behalf of Loup City Public Schools, including messages to students, parents/guardians, staff, and other community members.

Acceptable Use:
Loup City Public Schools may use SMS communication for the following purposes:

  1. Emergency Notifications: Alerts regarding school closures, safety concerns, or other urgent matters.

  2. Event Reminders: Notifications about school events, parent-teacher conferences, and other scheduled activities.

  3. Academic Updates: Information regarding report card availability, testing schedules, and other academic-related matters.

  4. General Announcements: Non-urgent school updates or notices, as deemed appropriate.

Privacy and Data Protection:
To ensure the protection of personal information:

  1. Data Collection: Mobile phone numbers will be collected solely for communication purposes as outlined in this policy.

  2. Confidentiality: No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

  3. Data Retention: Mobile phone numbers will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose of communication and will be securely deleted thereafter.

Consent:

  1. SMS communication will only be sent to individuals who have provided explicit consent, either during enrollment or through other formal processes.

  2. Recipients may opt-out of receiving SMS communications at any time by following the instructions provided in each message or contacting the school directly.

Compliance:
Loup City Public Schools will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding SMS communications, including but not limited to privacy and data protection regulations.

Monitoring and Review:
The Superintendent or a designated representative will regularly review this policy to ensure its effectiveness and compliance. Any updates to the policy will be communicated promptly to all stakeholders.

Policy Violations:
Any unauthorized use of SMS communication systems or breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment for staff, or other consequences as deemed appropriate.

Contact Information:
For questions or concerns about this policy or SMS communications, please contact the Loup City Public Schools Administrative Office at [insert contact information].

Effective Date:
This policy is effective as of January 1, 2025.