Board reviews updated social-media policy, emphasizes ParentSquare as primary channel

Martinez Unified trustees reviewed a second reading of proposed changes to Board Policy 1114, the district's social-media policy, during their Jan. 26 meeting.

District presenter Joe (staff speaker 24) summarized key elements: the policy distinguishes official district-sanctioned accounts from unofficial accounts (for example, PTA or booster pages), requires an approval and oversight process for official accounts, and establishes procedures for submitting content and handling copyright concerns. The presentation recommended centralizing district-wide communications through ParentSquare to create a single authoritative source for families and to simplify credential management for account transitions.

The policy also addresses conduct and content: it recommends a consistent professional voice, requires staff to identify themselves by name and title when posting publicly on behalf of the district, and outlines steps for reporting or suspending accounts that violate policy or platform terms. Staff noted legal constraints on posting images of students who have opted out of publicity and said training for account managers will be provided.

Board members asked clarifying questions about public comment tied to social-media accounts and whether the policy would restrict unofficial community accounts (answer: unofficial accounts would not be governed as official district accounts but should follow guidance). No public comment was recorded specifically on the policy at the time of the presentation; trustees pulled it for final consideration at a future meeting as part of consent/second-read processes.

Staff said the updated policy aims to reduce duplicate school accounts, protect student privacy, and ensure consistent emergency messaging. The board will consider final approval in a subsequent meeting.