Photographs, audio and video images of students to be used in news releases or for publication and information office purposes require a notification of parents/guardians.
Schools are not authorized to take pictures, audio or video of students or allow pictures, audio or video to be taken for resale or distribution purposes. With the permission and knowledge of the principal, officially recognized parent organizations may sponsor pictures for resale or distribution provided that:
Schools are authorized to take and/or make photographs, audio or video for student publications within the student activities guidelines.
The Lincoln Public Schools encourages the news media to view schools as a vital source of news for the public. The Lincoln Board of Education believes the Lincoln Public School District has an obligation to communicate with the public about the education of children and about how tax dollars are being spent. The Board also believes that staff and administration cooperation with news media is necessary to such communication efforts.
At the same time, it is a regulation of the Lincoln Public Schools to manage school buildings as places of business for students and for staff. Principals are directed not to release students from class for media interviews except as a part of an arrangement made in advance which insured that the student’s instruction will not be disrupted and the student’s right to privacy are not abrogated. Such arrangements can be made with the building principal who has the final determination on all building visitation. As with all visitors, news media representatives are asked to report to the building office before any meeting with staff or students.
In the case of elementary schools, the building control of interviewing is expected to extend to the playgrounds and total building site. Secondary students are presumed capable of making their own decisions regarding interviews outside the regular school time and outside the school building itself; but if they do not wish to be interviewed, the school authorities will endeavor to prevent the interview on school grounds.