Code No.:901.3
NEWS MEDIA RELATIONS – NEWS CONFERENCES
The board recognizes the value of and supports open, fair and honest communication with the news media. The
board will maintain a cooperative relationship with the news media. As part of this cooperative relationship, the
board and the media will develop a means for sharing information while respecting each party’s limitations.
Members of the news media are encouraged and welcome to attend open board meetings. The board president is
the spokesperson for the board, and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the school district. It is the
responsibility of the board president and superintendent to respond to inquiries from the news media about the
school district.
Members of the news media seeking information about the school district will direct their inquiries to the
superintendent. The superintendent will accurately and objectively provide the facts in response to inquiries from
the news media about the school district.
The superintendent, on behalf of the board and the school district, may hold a news conference or respond to a
request for an interview with the news media.
The superintendent will respond accurately, openly, honestly, and objectively to inquiries from the news media
about the school district.
News conferences and interviews planned or pre-arranged for school district activities will include the board and
the superintendent. News conferences for issues requiring an immediate response may be held by the
superintendent. It is within the discretion of the superintendent to determine whether a news conference or
interview is held to provide an immediate response to an issue.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to keep the board apprised of news conferences and interviews.
The superintendent will determine when a news release about internal school district and board matters will be
issued. In making this determination, the superintendent will strive to keep the media and the school district
community accurately and objectively informed. Further, the superintendent will strive to create and maintain a
positive image for the school district. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve news releases
originating within the school district prior to their release.
News releases will be prepared and disseminated to news media in the school district community. Questions
about news releases will be directed to the superintendent.
Approved ____________
Reviewed 4/17/00
Reviewed 12/19/05
Reviewed 6/20/11
Revised 5/15/17