Crown Point Community School Corporation recognizes the importance and benefit of positive relationships with the media. We strive to ensure that media coverage is an accurate reflection of our students, staff, and official position and does not disrupt the education process.
To provide timely and accurate communication between the district and media, we ask for your cooperation with the following procedures.
INTERVIEWS
- Media who want to film, photograph, or interview Crown Point School Corporation employees, students, or board members should place a request via the director of communications at 219-663-3371 ext. 10241.
- The exception to this is athletic commentary from coaches and athletic staff regarding upcoming or recent sporting events.
- For scheduled interviews, questions should be sent in advance via email to the director of communications at ballen@cps.k12.in.us.
- After school events that are open to the general public are also open to the media and do not require prior arrangements. Events during school hours DO require an appointment.
- The exception is graduation. Please inform our director of communications if you plan to attend graduation. Only one member of each media team is allowed on the field and must remain on the running track.
SCHOOL VISITS
If a media member would like to visit a school, it should be arranged through the director of communications. Be prepared to show a photo ID and identification from your organization upon arrival. Visits during the school day may have limitations due to instruction, standardized testing, or other events. You will be accompanied during your visit by the director of communications or another corporation representative.
FERPA
Crown Point School Corporation abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students and parents are able to opt out of the release of information, including photographs at the time of student registration. Before using a film, photo, or interview, check with the director of communications whether that student/parent has opted out of releasing directory information.
BOARD MEETINGS
The media are invited to attend all public meetings of the CPCSC Board of School Trustees. Copies of board agendas, minutes, and other meeting materials are available on the corporation’s website. Questions after the meeting should be directed to the Director of Communications, who can schedule interviews with members of our team or provide further information.
EMERGENCIES
In an emergency, the corporation will work to supply timely information to the media through a spokesperson, written releases, or a news briefing. During an emergency, media will not be permitted inside affected school building(s). Media will be assigned to a designated area that does not interfere with emergency response activities. The scope of information shared is determined by the ongoing response to the emergency, conflicts with privacy laws, the well-being of students or staff, or the concerns of families.
FOIA
Crown Point School Corporation cooperates with members of the media or public who request documents under FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). FOIA inquiries should be emailed to Art Equihua at equihua@cps.k12.in.us