The Board of Education may provide cellular telephones to employees who by the nature of their job have a routine and continuing business need for the use of same 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 District 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 Board of Education requires that staff members as determined by the Superintendent be accessible by telephone for District business and emergencies when and if need arises. Cellular telephone technology enables individuals to be reached whenever a situation arises necessitating immediate contact and communication, regardless of the person’s location at that time.

Staff members issued a District cell phone are expected to be reasonably accessible beyond the normal working hours to deal with work related issues as the need arises. The Board considers cellular telephones to be essential equipment for the performance of staff member duties, and believes that the provision of same serves a valid public purpose.

Board-owned cellular telephones may be used for the following:

Board-owned cellular telephones may not be used for the following:

The Superintendent shall determine the level of cellular telephone service appropriate for each staff member issued a phone. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall take the steps necessary to secure the most economical and responsible service available.

Possessing a Board-owned cellular telephone is a privilege and all employees are expected to use them appropriately and responsibly. Employees are responsible for managing the cost effectiveness of cellular telephone use by utilizing assigned landlines as available and appropriate.

Employee safety is a priority of the Board, and responsible use of cellular telephones includes safe use. Employees are expected to refrain from using cellular telephones while operating vehicles.

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

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 may 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) might 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.

The Board reserves the right to audit all Board-owned cellular telephones and their use, which will include but not be limited to, a review of the monthly billing by the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance. Board cellular telephones and cellular service account statements, invoices and payment documents are public records and, as such, may be subject to disclosure and review.

Each Board-owned cellular telephone will receive a monthly detailed activity statement for all charges. The employee issued the cellular telephone must review the monthly statement for billing accuracy.

In order to protect the employee from incurring a tax liability for the personal use of Board-issued cellular telephones, such equipment is to be used for business reasons only.

The Board may seek reimbursement for any additional charges resulting from personal calls. Misuse of Board-owned cellular telephones may result in loss of the privilege (i.e., revocation) and possible disciplinary action against the employee.

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 expected to make personal calls during breaks and lunch periods 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 restriction: 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.

Adopted 5/5/05
Revised 12/1/05