By Rupert Howell

Access to South Panola School campuses by media outlets will only be allowed when permission is granted following action by the district school board at the regular monthly meeting held last week.

The new policy will again be on the agenda in October for adoption.

The action comes on recommendation of Superintendent Tim Wilder who explained the suggested policy change noting the need for the policy was increased following the July 10 fire when regional media converged on the district disrupting some working to get school open in less than a month.

The new policy states that news media is welcome for legitimate reasons but permission to access campuses must be granted by the superintendent or his representatives.

“Without such authority . . . the media will be denied access to students of the schools and principals are hereby instructed to deny such access,” the policy states.

The policy then states that news media are not required to have prior approval to enter campuses for extracurricular activities outside of regular school hours.

Wilder indicated the policy was not enacted to hinder local media (The Panolian) from carrying out their usual news function by reporting on local school activities affecting the community.

Wilder then discussed the district’s website and Facebook page noting that school activities are being recorded there while announcing an upgrade to the district’s website and stated each teacher will be required to have a web page.

While commending newly hired Public Information Director Jeff Eubanks for keeping the district’s social media outlets updated, he said Eubanks will “head up” further social media improvements.

Trustees also approved “Rules of Engagement,” for any webpage representing South Panola District, clubs and organizations therein.

Trustees will gather in special meetings October 6 and October 8 to approve construction bids for two projects including the ninth grade wing at the high school and a portion of BES construction.