401.14 - Employee Use of Cell Phones

The school district may issue cell phones to employees when there is a valid school district related business purpose for the employee to have access to a cell phone.  Prior to issuing an employee a school district cell phone, the school district will evaluate the employee’s job assignment and responsibilities and determine whether the employee should be issued a school district cell phone.  If the school district determines an employee will be issued a school district cell phone, the school district will determine the appropriate cell phone and cell phone plan for the employee.

An employee’s use of a school district cell phone will be limited to school district business.  Personal use of school district cell phones will only be allowed on a limited and infrequent basis. 

Employees who are issued school district cell phones may not use them at any time while they are operating motor vehicles or equipment.  Employees who are involved in an accident and/or charged with violations of the law resulting from the use of a school district cell phone while operating motor vehicles or equipment will be solely responsible for all liability that results from such actions, including, but not limited to all damages, costs, fees, and fines.

Any school district cell phone issued to an employee is school district property and all communications over and activity conducted on any school district cell phone is subject to being monitored and reviewed by the school district.  An employee who has been issued a school district cell phone is expected to protect it from loss, damage or theft and will be responsible for any damages or charges that result from the employee’s failure to exercise due care.  If an employee is issued a school district cell phone and it is lost or stolen, the employee must notify the school district so that service can be discontinued.  An employee shall notify the school district if a school district cell phone the employee has been issued malfunctions. 

Upon separation from employment or at any time upon request, the employee may be asked to produce a school district cell phone issued to the employee for return or inspection. Employees unable to present a school district issued cell phone in good working condition within twenty-four (24) hours of being asked to produce it may be required to bear the cost of replacing the cell phone.

Employees shall restrict use of personal cell phones to break periods or lunch periods.  Personal cell phone use shall be restricted during the employee’s work hours and should not interfere with the employee’s ability to perform their duties and responsibilities.

An employee’s failure to comply with this policy may subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.