For the Media
The School District of Pickens County recognizes and appreciates the role of media in providing news and information to our community. At the same time, procedures must be in place that ensures a safe and secure learning environment for our students and employees that supports learning with as few disruptions as possible. It is the role of the Chief Communications Officer to assist in providing information about the school system in a timely and accurate manner.
Requests for Employees and Students
Per SDPC regulation: any request to interview, film, videotape, photograph, or otherwise record students or district personnel on district property or at a school-sponsored event shall be submitted to the Chief Communications Officer for approval.
Requests may be made by telephone or in writing, must include specific details regarding the purpose and scope of the request, and should be submitted within a reasonable time in advance, providing ample time to assess the request and, in the event that the request is approved, notify relevant employees, students, etc. as deemed necessary.
The District reserves the right to grant or deny any request for access to school(s), not in an attempt to suppress a viewpoint, but if access would: compromise the safety of students or staff; disrupt the educational environment, district operations, and/or impede the ability of employees to perform their duties; breach confidentiality; be overly demanding on district resources.
The School District of Pickens County School Board has both legal and implied obligations inherent in its in loco parentis relationship with students while under the jurisdiction of the school. Please keep in mind that a variety of factors affecting the school schedule (school-wide events, holidays, testing, or similar activities) may prevent a visit on a specific date and/or time. We also operate in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which provides parents/guardians/students to opt-out of the release of certain information.
The only exception: routine athletics coverage.
As a general rule, members of the media may take general footage of students during school events that are open to the public, which includes athletic events.