What is the Appropriate Level of Internet Filtering at Benicia High School?

Students and teachers at are having trouble getting to internet sites that will help them learn and teach according to Steve Gibbs, the journalism teacher at Benicia High School.  In his weekly column in the Gibbs lists a number of sites that can’t be reached because of the school’s internet filter software.

“This is more a technology issue than a policy issue,” said Benicia Unified School District Superintendent Janice Adams.  “We had a server meltdown and the customized filter died with it.”

With the loss of the customized filter, the district had to use standard internet filter technology that is too restrictive according to Adams.

“We are working diligently to customize the filter to allow teachers and students access to any site they need to get to,” said Adams.

With the district working to adjust the filter settings so more sites can be accessed, Adams decided it would be a good time to let the community and the school board weigh in on the subject so it has been added to the agenda of

“I believe the classroom teachers should have a say in what sites are available to their students,” said Adams.  “I trust them 100 percent and I’m not trying to block them.  But I also don’t think having no filter is safe for students.”