Use of personal communication devices ("PCDs") has become pervasive in the workplace. For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPads and similar devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g. Kindles and similar devices), cell phones (e.g., mobile/cellular telephones, smartphones [e.g., BlackBerry, iPhone, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.]. Whether the PCD is Board-owned and assigned to a specific employee, or personally-owned by the employee (regardless of whether the Board pays the employee an allowance for his/her use of the device, the Board reimburses the employee on a per use basis for their business-related use of his/her PCD, or the employee receives no remuneration for his/her use of a personally-owned PCD), the employee is responsible for using the device in a safe and appropriate manner.

Employees are responsible for operating Board-owned vehicles and potentially hazardous equipment in a safe and prudent manner, and therefore, employees are prohibited from using PCDs while operating such vehicles or equipment. In the interest of safety for both Board employees and other drivers, employees are required to comply with all applicable laws while driving.

Employees may not use a PCD in a way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated.

Except in emergency situations or as otherwise authorized by the District Administrator or as necessary to fulfill their job responsibilities, employees are prohibited from using PCDs to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school-related activity. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted.

PCDs, including but not limited to those with cameras, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to, classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The District Administrator and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.

Board employees may carry PCDs/cell phones with them while at work including while operating Board equipment, but are subject to the following restrictions:

Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Use of a PCD in any manner contrary to local, State or Federal laws may also result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.