Personal Device Network Connectivity Policy

1. Policy Statement and Purpose

This policy mandates that all personal devices (devices not owned or managed by Van Buren Public Schools) connecting to the district's wireless network infrastructure must utilize the designated Guest Network. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the district's core network, confidential data, and critical resources by isolating personal devices from the primary operational network. This reduces potential security risks, minimizes unauthorized access, and ensures regulatory compliance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, students, contractors, and visitors who connect a personal electronic device to the Van Buren Public Schools (VBPS) wireless network while on district property.

Devices Covered: This includes, but is not limited to, personal smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and any other wireless-enabled device not issued or centrally managed by the VBPS IT Department.
Exclusions: District-owned and managed equipment, which are configured to connect to the secure, internal network, are excluded from this policy.

3. Definition of Topic

Personal Device (Unmanaged Device): Any computing or communication device that is personally owned by an individual and is brought onto VBPS property. These devices are not subject to VBPS IT security controls, monitoring, or configuration.
Core/Operational Network: The secure, primary network infrastructure used for all critical school operations, including administrative systems, student records, instructional systems, and district-owned devices.
Guest Network: A separate, segregated wireless network intended for temporary use by visitors and personal devices. The Guest Network provides internet access but is strictly isolated from the Core/Operational Network and internal resources (e.g., shared drives, printers, servers).

4. Procedure

Mandatory Guest Network Connection: All users of personal devices must connect exclusively to the wireless network designated as the VBPS Guest Network.
No Core Network Access: Users are explicitly prohibited from attempting to connect any personal device to the Core/Operational Network using either the primary wireless SSID or a wired connection.
Authentication: Access to the Guest Network may require a separate login, acceptance of a Terms of Service agreement, or a temporary guest pass, as determined by the IT Department.
Network Usage: Use of the Guest Network must comply with the district's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Users acknowledge that network performance, bandwidth, and availability on the Guest Network may be limited.
IT Support Limitations: The VBPS IT Department will not provide technical support for connecting, troubleshooting, or resolving issues related to personal devices or their access to the Guest Network.

5. Compliance and Enforcement

Monitoring: The VBPS IT Department reserves the right to monitor network traffic and connection attempts to ensure compliance with this policy.
Non-Compliance: Any personal device found attempting to connect or successfully connected to the Core/Operational Network will be immediately blocked and removed from the network.
Consequences: Repeated or intentional attempts to violate this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including the permanent revocation of network access privileges, and action consistent with the district's staff or student handbooks.