Employees whose job responsibilities include regular or occasional driving and who use a personal cellular telephone for business use are expected to refrain from using their telephone while driving. Safety must come before all other concerns. Regardless of the circumstances, including slow or stopped traffic, employees are strongly encouraged to pull off to the side of the road and safely stop the vehicle before placing or accepting a call. If acceptance of a call is unavoidable and pulling over is not an option, employees are expected to keep the call short, use hands-free options if available, refrain from discussion of complicated or emotional topics, and keep their eyes on the road. Special care should be taken in situations where there is traffic, inclement weather, or the employee is driving in an unfamiliar area.

In situations where job responsibilities include regular driving and accepting of business calls, the employee should consider the use of hands-free equipment to facilitate the provisions of this policy.

Cellular telephone calls are not secure. Therefore, employees should use discretion in relaying confidential information, particularly as it relates to students.

Personal calls during work hours can interfere with employee productivity and be distracting to others, regardless of whether on a cellular or regular telephone. Employees are expected to use discretion in using personal cellular telephones while at work. Employees are asked to make personal calls during breaks and lunch period and to see that friends and family members are aware of the Board’s policy.