MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Staff members throughout the Montgomery County Public School System were given the unconventional gift of a warning before the holiday break.
On December 20, Chief Operating Officer Brian Hull sent a letter to staff members warning them to “avoid assuming anonymity online”. In the letter, Hull notes the increased scrutiny and attention MCPS staff has been getting for posts made on social media, including on private accounts.
There have been multiple staff accounts that have been reported for inappropriate posts. The county’s protocol states the district has an obligation to follow up on each report. In the letter Hull recommended the staff use this winter break to take a pause.
“Remember two basic online principles: Social media activities may attract public attention, and nothing online is truly private,” Hull said in the letter sent to staff.
Some people assume that posts made online from personal accounts, whether they are made public or not, aren’t any of their job’s business. However, Hull believes staff member’s lives outside of work are intertwined with their work.
“Even in your private lives and when on social media, it’s essential to align with our school system’s values, uphold professionalism, and preserve your ability to serve the Montgomery County community.” the letter stated.
Hull warned staff members to stop assuming that because it is online, after work hours, or posted to a private page they’re absolved from having to abide by the county’s social media best practices or MCPS employee code of conduct.
Hull ends the letter suggesting the staff,
“Use this time to take care of yourselves and reflect on the positive impact you have on the lives of the children we serve.”
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