Ladue School Board Approves Measure To Comply With New "Facebook Law"

Back in late August a Ladue Middle School teacher filed a lawsuit over a new state law about to take effect which caused controversy in part because it raised the question of whether a teacher could be a Facebook friend with a student, even if the student was the teacher's own child.

The uproar, which included multiple lawsuits statewide, led to passage of a revised bill which passed in last fall's special legislative session. The new legislation requires each school district to put into effect and promote a policy directed at the use of electronic communication between staff members and students by March 1. 

Districts are expected to draft those policies in a way that will prevent

On Monday night at the regular Ladue School Board meeting, action was taken to formulate a new district policy dealing with the terms of social media. While the vote was 7-0 in favor of adoption, it didn’t go without some back and forth discussion.

Board member Jeff Kopolow, a former teacher, had reservations about voting yea on this issue. “And that’s only because I don’t think it goes far enough,” he reasoned.

Kopolow, who in retirement teaches Missouri On Line High School says social media is a big part of what he does.

“I am going to vote for this (policy) with great reservation," he said." I deal with students that I never meet in person. We make extensive use of chat rooms and use email constantly. When it comes to this issue,” we are all under the microscope.”

Dr. Judy Sclair, assistant superintendent drafted the language in the policy. “There’s been much confusion with social media. We’ve drafted a policy that police feels meets the law and at the same time is not too restrictive for students and staff.”

Ladue instructors have been using social media successfully in their curriculum a long time before this ever became an issue raised by members of the Missouri State Legislature.

School Board President Sheri Glantz is happy to move this policy along. “We need to protect our kids, and at the same time, allow enough leeway to make use of social media (tools).”

Audrey Mack, board member had a slightly different take on this issue. “We can pass all the policies we want and that won’t stop perverts from using that (media).”

In other matters, the school board approved the 2013-14 school year calendar by voice vote, 5-2. Ken Smith, board member and school teacher took issue with the proposed dates.

“I continue my disapproval of having four weeks in the schedule without including Mondays and Fridays. I think this is a hardship on working families.

Mack approves of the new calendar. “I think we consider working parents. I know teachers work our children very hard, and I personally appreciate having some downtime during the school year.”

The consensus among the board was that professional development days for staff teachers and administrators should not be scaled back at any expense.

“We just need to balance the needs of the kids and shareholders, so something has to give,” said board member Jayne Langsam.