Berks Co. District Bans Student-Teacher Texting, "Facebooking" - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Berks Co. District Bans Student-Teacher Texting, "Facebooking"

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Birdsboro -

Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter have come a long way in our culture, with just about everyone keeping in touch online. It has also come with its share of problems. 

Administrators in the Daniel Boone Area School District know that first hand.  The district covers Birdsboro and Douglasville in Berks County.

Several staff members have been linked to inappropriate relationships with students; relationships that officials say had a social media connection.

That caused the Board of Directors to pass a sweeping measure Monday night, banning teachers and students from communicating through Facebook-like programs and texting.    

"We don't go looking for these things but when they rear their underbelly, we're left to pick up the pieces and have to deal with it," said Dr. Gary Otto, the district's superintendent.

The same night the board approved the new rules, they accepted the resignation from former teacher Kristy Risell. 

Prosecutors charged her with having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy.  They say the relationship started with text messaging.

Otto said the new rules may come across as harsh, but finds them necessary for the well being of both students and staff. 

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