| Lakeview Public Schools |
| Bylaws & Policies |
7530.01 - STAFF USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES
The Board of Education will provide cellular telephones to employees who by the nature of their job have a routine and continuing business need for the use of cellular telephones for official Board business. Cellular telephones are provided as a tool to conduct Board business and to enhance business efficiencies. Cellular telephones are not a personal benefit and shall not be a primary mode of communication, unless they are the most cost-effective means to conduct Board business (i.e., because cellular telephone accounts are billed on a time-used basis, Board-owned cellular telephones and services should not be used when a less costly alternative method of communication is safe, convenient and readily available).
The Superintendent or his/her designee is expected to see that:
| A. | the need for each Board-owned cellular telephone and cellular telephone service account is clearly justified for Board business purposes; | |
| B. | alternative solutions for work production and communication have been considered; | |
| C. | employees provided with cellular telephone service accounts understand the purpose and limitations of usage; | |
| D. | cellular telephone service account invoices outlining the details of usage are received and reviewed for conformance with this policy; | |
| E. | employees reimburse the Board for non-business use if required by this policy; | |
| F. | use of a cellular telephone service account is terminated when no longer justified by business requirements, the employee leaves the Board’s employment, and/or when the employee has by actions demonstrated a disregard for the limitation of this policy. |
Cell Phone Usage
Board-owned cellular telephones may be used for the following:
| A. | to place calls in emergency situations. | |
| B. | to place calls for the purpose of communicating District activities or District business. | |
| C. | to place or receive calls for personal business provided (1) such calls do not reduce the employee’s productivity and (2) the employee reimburses the Board for any additional cellular telephone service costs incurred for non-business use. |
Using a cellular telephone while operating a vehicle is strongly discouraged. Employees should plan calls to allow placement of calls either prior to traveling or while on rest breaks.
Employees must safeguard any Board-owned cellular telephone in their possession. Reasonable precautions should be made to prevent unauthorized use, equipment loss, damage, theft and vandalism. Upon resignation or termination of employment, or at any time upon request, the employee will be asked to produce the equipment for return or inspection. Employees unable to present the equipment in good working condition within the time period requested (e.g., twenty-four (24) hours) will be expected to bear the cost of a replacement. Employees who separate from employment with outstanding debts for equipment loss or unauthorized charges will be considered to have left employment on unsatisfactorily terms and may be subject to legal action for recovery of the loss.
Use of a Personal Cellular Telephone While at Work
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.
Board employees may carry personal cellular telephones with them while on Board time and/or while operating Board equipment, but are subject to the following restrictions:
| A. | Excessive use of a personal cellular telephone for personal business during work hours is considered outside the employee’s scope of employment. | |
| B. | Employees are responsible for operating Board-owned vehicles and potentially hazardous equipment in a safe and prudent manner, and therefore, employees should refrain from using personal cellular telephones while operating such vehicle or equipment. | |
| C. | The Board assumes no liability for loss or damage to employees’ personal cellular telephones carried in Board vehicles or left on Board property. Employees assume the risk of loss or damage to personal cellular telephones carried by employees during working hours. |
Violation of this policy may constitute just cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
The Superintendent shall prepare the necessary administrative guidelines for the implementation of this policy.
Adopted 12/14/04