Policy 1112 - Media Relations

Media Relations

The Board of Education supports a positive and ongoing relationship with the news media in maintaining and building public confidence in education generally, and in the Lodi Unified School District, specifically. The District, while supporting positive news media communication, must safeguard the rights and safety of our students and employees and protect the learning process.

The news media, including newspapers, television and radio, represent the public interest in reporting information relative to Lodi Unified Schools. Maintaining lines of communication serves the interests of the district and the community.

The chief spokesperson for the school district shall be the superintendent or his/her designee. The primary spokesperson at the school level shall be the principal or his/her designee.

Like all visitors, media representatives are encouraged to identify themselves when they enter school grounds so as to avoid causing disruption or confusion. The principal or designee of each school shall provide the media with information relating to his/her school, including information about student awards, school accomplishments and events of special interest.

During a disturbance or crisis situation, the first priority of school staff is to address the situation at hand. At such times, media inquiries shall be routed to the Superintendent or designee, who shall:

1. Prepare an official statement responding to the particular situation.
2. Update the official statement as events unfold.
3. Keep staff and students well informed.