Code No. 401.12
EMPLOYEE USE OF CELL PHONES
The use of cell phones and other communication devices may be appropriate to provide for the effective and efficient operation of the school district and to help ensure safety and security of people and property while on school district property or engaged in school-sponsored activities.
Employees may possess and use cell phones during the school day as outlined in this policy. Employees should not use cell phones for personal business while on-duty, including staff development times, parent-teacher conferences etc., except in the case of an emergency or during prep time or break/lunch times. Employees are prohibited from using any communication device while operating a school vehicle, except in the case of an emergency or to call for assistance, after the vehicle has been stopped.
School bus drivers are prohibited from using any communication device while operating the bus except in the case of an emergency, or to call for assistance, after the vehicle has been stopped. Any such use must comply with applicable state and federal law and district policies and regulations.
Cell phones are not to be used for conversations involving confidential student or employee information.
Employees violating the policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference:
Internal Revenue Comment Notice, 2009-46,
http://www.irs.gov/irb/2009-23_IRB/ar07.html
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321.276
Cross Reference:
707.5 Internal Controls
707.05 Internal Controls - Procedures
Approved: 9-23-2015
Reviewed:
Revised: 1-25-2023
Code No. 401.12R1
Page 1 of 2
EMPLOYEE USE OF CELL PHONES REGULATION
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phones shall be used in a manner that does not disrupt instruction and should not be used during school-sponsored programs, meetings, in-services, or other events where there exists a reasonable expectation of quiet attentiveness unless there is a reason of personal health or safety involved.
Cell phones should not be used to transmit confidential student or personal information either verbally or written.
Employees are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving as part of their work duties, unless in the case of an emergency, unless the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the gear is in park.
Cell phones are provided specifically to carry out official school district business when other means of communications are not readily available. These devices may not be used for routine personal communications..
Personal use of school district-provided cell phones is limited to making or receiving calls for emergency and/or incidental purposes. Whenever possible, such calls should be made or received on school district or other public telephones.
Employees issued a cell phone are responsible for its safekeeping at all times. Defective, lost or stolen cell phones are to be reported immediately to the superintendent who will in turn notify the service provider. Reckless or irresponsible use of school district equipment, resulting in loss or damage may result in the employee having to reimburse the school district for any associated costs of replacement or repair.
Cell phones and any other school district issued communication equipment issued for employees are to be returned to the board secretary at the conclusion of the school year, activity or as otherwise specified or immediately upon request.
Cell Phone Authorization
School district-provided cell phones may be purchased and authorized for staff use in accordance with guidelines. Cell phones may be assigned or made available on a temporary basis, by the superintendent, when it is determined:
The assignment of a cell phone device to the employee is a prudent use of school district resources;
The employee's job responsibilities requires the ability to communicate frequently outside of district property and/or regular district hours.
The employee's job involves situations where immediate communication is necessary to ensure the safety of individuals and security of school district property.
Approved: 9/23/2015
Revised: 1-23-2023