Media Guidelines

It is the policy of the Lancaster Independent School District to work cooperatively with the news media for coverage of issues and events involving the school district, its students, or staff. However, Lancaster ISD is dedicated to providing all students with a safe, learning environment without unnecessary interruptions. Therefore, the following guidelines are in effect at all district campuses and facilities: 

  • Lancaster ISD is committed to working cooperatively with the news media. It is the role of the Communications Department to assist schools in contacting media representatives, preparing for an onsite visit, and responding to news outlet inquiries.

  • All media inquiries should be directed to the Chief Communications Officer including inquiries sent via e-mail. Exceptions include routine athletic and/or extracurricular activity news coverage during games, tournaments, and/or performances conducted outside the normal school day.

  • Communications Department contact information: Kimberly Simpson at 972-218-1415, kimberlysimpson@lancasterisd.org or info@LancasterISD.org.

  • The Chief Communications Officer and/or the Communications Department should be contacted when a representative of the media requests to visit a campus or arrives at a campus without prior approval. If a member of the media is onsite without prior approval, he/she should be sent to the Communications Department at the Administration Building (422 S. Centre Ave).

  • A member of the media may interview staff or students during the school day with prior approval from the Chief Communications Officer or appropriate designee. Media representatives may be allowed access to a classroom only at the discretion of the Chief Communications Officer or appropriate designee, and only if the classroom teacher and/or appropriate staff member(s) have been notified and have agreed that it will not be disruptive to the learning environment. Taking of photographs, audio, or video is at the discretion of the Chief Communications Officer or appropriate designee. 

  • Prior to any media visit, appropriate time must be given to district administrators to verify student privacy preferences and provide appropriate notification to the campus and building administrators.

  • Lancaster ISD strictly enforces and follows student privacy preferences and releases of student information as outlined in FERPA guidelines (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

  • The Superintendent or designee shall be the official spokesperson for Lancaster ISD.