ST. LOUIS BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY

INSTRUCTION

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

Software Copyright Policy

In an effort to discourage violation of copyright laws:

1. The ethical and practical problems caused by software piracy will be taught in all schools in the district.

2. When software is to be used on a disk sharing system, efforts will be made to secure this software from copying.

3. Illegal copies of copyrighted programs may not be duplicated or used on school equipment.

4. The legal or insurance protection of the district will not be extended to employees who violate copyright laws.

5. The superintendent of schools is designated as the only individual who may sign license agreements for software for schools in the district.

6. District employees are authorized to make a backup copy of a computer program, an original copy of which is owned by St. Louis Public Schools, provided:

a. the new copy or adaptation is created as an essential step in the utilization of the computer program in conjunction with a
machine and that it is used in no other manner, or

b. the new copy or adaptation is for archival purposes only and that all archival copies are destroyed in the event that continued possession of the computer program should cease to be rightful.

7. School principals or the chief administrative officer of each support unit are responsible for establishing practices which enforce this policy.

Software Copyright Policy (continued) P6162.3

8. Failure to strictly adhere to the provisions as stated shall be grounds for disciplinary action against an employee, including dismissal.

References

Legal:
17 U.S.C. § 106 (1998)
17 U.S.C. § 117 (1998)

Policy adopted: February 9, 1999