SSD recognizes the vital role the media plays in informing the public about its policies, programs, services, events, students, and employees. The SSD Communications Department is committed to providing timely and accurate information and will make every effort to accommodate media deadlines.
Media personnel who want to film, photograph, or interview Special School District staff members, students, or Board of Education members must submit their request through the SSD Communications Department at 314-989-8434.
Visiting Schools
To protect student privacy and minimize disruptions, media access to school campuses or buildings during the school day is not permitted unless approved by the SSD Communications Department. If access is granted, a Communications staff member or designee will escort media personnel to ensure minimal disruption and assist with any additional needs.
All visitors, including media representatives, must check in through the school’s visitor management system before entering any school or District building. Media personnel requesting to visit a school must contact the SSD Communications Department for approval and coordination.
Interviewing School Officials
SSD employs educators and administrators who are often leaders in their field. For interviews, filming, or photography involving a District employee or Board member, please contact the SSD Communications Department. We are happy to connect you with the appropriate person and coordinate interviews as needed.
Request for Information
SSD is committed to protecting the privacy of its students and employees while complying with all applicable laws. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students and families have the right to opt out of the release of certain student information, including photographs. The SSD Communications Department will coordinate with each school to identify students who cannot be photographed, recorded, or interviewed under FERPA guidelines (see above). Before capturing photos, videos, or quotes from SSD students or staff, please confirm compliance with the Communications Department.
Additionally, the District respects the privacy of our staff and will not disclose personal or personnel-related information unless required by law. SSD does not disclose details regarding cases before the courts and refers all inquiries related to police investigations to the appropriate authorities.
Board of Education Meetings
The media are welcome to attend open meetings of the SSD Board of Education and may film and/or record these meetings. To avoid disruption, reporters and photographers must remain in the designated media area and refrain from approaching Board members, guest speakers, or audience members inside the Board Room. Interviews should be conducted outside the Board Room, either in the hallway or a pre-arranged conference room. Board agendas, informational items, and other meeting materials are available online via Diligent.
Emergencies
The District is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the media during emergencies while ensuring that communications do not interfere with emergency response efforts, violate federal privacy laws, or compromise the well-being of students, staff, or families. During an emergency, media will not be permitted inside affected schools, buildings, or campuses. A designated external media area will be established to ensure emergency response teams have full access to the site.
All media inquiries during an emergency will be directed to the SSD Communications Department, allowing crisis response teams to focus on managing the situation. The District will share updates as quickly as possible through a spokesperson, written releases, or news briefings. In the event of a crisis, the media will receive detailed guidelines specific to the emergency.
