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:

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

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

Cellular telephone service accounts are expected to be set at the minimum level that fulfills the business need for the position in question.

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.

Employee safety is a priority of the Board, and responsible use of cellular telephones includes safe use by the employee.

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. In situations where job responsibilities include regular driving and accepting of business calls, hands-free equipment may be provided to facilitate the provisions of this policy. Special care should be taken in situations where there is traffic, inclement weather, or the employee is driving in an unfamiliar area.

Bus drivers are prohibited from using cellular telephones while operating vehicles.

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) may 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 unsatisfactory 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 Director of Finance and Operations. 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.

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 will 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 interfere with employee productivity and are distracting to others, regardless of whether on a cellular or regular telephone. Employees must use discretion in using personal cellular telephones while at work. Employees are required to make personal calls during breaks, lunch periods and non-instructional time and to see that friends and family members are aware of the Board’s policy.

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.

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.