The South Whidbey School District approved a memorandum last week that outlines how school board directors communicate with the community via social media.

The guidelines include following the South Whidbey Board Code of Ethics, avoiding online conversations that violate the Open Public Meetings Act, not disclosing confidential information and being aware of any comments on official business that may create a “public record” which may trigger record retention requirements of the state’s Public Records Act.

The guidelines also include how a board director should conduct themselves while communicating online, such as acknowledging diversity, showing respect for different points of view while being sensitive to issues of race, religion, sexual orientation, age and culture. Directors must fully disclose their roles with the district by stating their name, position and title. They must also be careful not to mislead, and exercise sound judgement and common sense, the rules say.

As a means of ensuring the district speaks with a collective voice, Director Linda Racicot, who is also the board chairwoman, and Superintendent Jo Moccia are the official spokeswomen, while other directors may be designated to speak on behalf of the district based on their expertise with specific issues, according to the memorandum.