Office of the Chief Operating Officer MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rockville, Maryland April 30, 2008 MEMORANDUM To: Principals and Directors From: Larry A. Bowers, Chief Operating Officer Subject: Social Web Sites ‘The purpose of this memorandum is to alert you to an article that was published in The ‘Washington Post on April 28, 2008. The article, “When Young Teachers Go Wild on the Web,” concemed social networking sites and personal Web pages that are used by many people. Two of the most popular Web sites are MySpace and Facebook. The article references two Montgomery County Public Schools employees, and one teacher was named. When prospective employees apply for jobs with MCPS, staff from the Office of Human Resources remind them that a public school system serves the community and its children and that, therefore, they are expected to act in an appropriate, professional manner at all times. During interviews, prospective employees are informed that acting in an appropriate, professional manner extends to e-mails, voice mail messages, and content posted on a social ‘Web site. All three of the professional growth systems have a standard or competency that relates to the high degree of professionalism expected of our employees. It is important that you discuss the use of these social Web sites with your staff. While it is not our intent to monitor what our employees are doing when they are not working, staff should be reminded that pictures of students and information or comments about students obtained as the result of the employee's job with MCPS may not be posted on a personal Web site and that posting inappropriate content on Web sites that are open to the public can have a negative impact on that staff member's ability to do his or her job or on the operations of the school. Disciplinary action can be taken against employees if inappropriate Web site postings adversely affect the ability of that person to perform their duties or interfere with the regular operation of the school Our employees represent our school system and, as public servants, this is a significant responsibility. If you have any additional questions, please address them to Ms. Susan F. Marks, associate superintendent for the Office of Human Resources, at 301-279-3270. LAB:bsr Copy to: Executive Staff Ms. Cuttitte Ms. Cullison Dr. Newman