Mobile Telephone technology, including technology with e-mail capacity, referred to in this policy as ("Mobile Telephones") enables individuals to communicate more easily whenever a situation arises necessitating immediate contact and communication, regardless of the person’s location at the time. Therefore, the Superintendent and Treasurer and those identified by the Superintendent and Treasurer as needing Mobile Telephones to allow them to communicate more efficiently may be provided an allowance, up to the amount approved annually by the Vandalia-Butler Board of Education ("Board") so that they can acquire (a) Mobile Telephone(s) and an associated Mobile Telephone Service Plan.

The Board or its designee may conduct an annual review of each staff members’ level of service and may adjust the amount recommended to and approved by the Board.

Required: Staff members receiving this allowance shall provide their Mobile Telephone numbers to the Treasurer and others so that they may be contacted as needed.

Furthermore, covered staff members will not generally be required to submit a copy of their detailed monthly bill. This reimbursement shall be considered additional compensation for income tax purposes.

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

Employees who use a Mobile 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.

Employees are responsible for operating Board-owned vehicles and potentially hazardous equipment in a safe and prudent manner. Therefore, employees should refrain from using Mobile Telephones while operating such vehicle or equipment.

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

Board employees may carry Mobile Telephones with them while on Board time and/or while operating Board equipment, but are subject to the following restrictions:

If an employee who has a compelling need to have a Mobile Telephone for school-related purposes is employed after July 1, the employee will receive a pro-rated allowance for the months qualifying for the reimbursement.

Any district administrative employee receiving a Mobile Telephone allowance will be required to register his/her phone account number with the Treasurer within 30 days of the commencement of the allowance. Failure to register the Mobile Telephone account number within this time period or to maintain the account in active status will result in the suspension of the allowance and possible reimbursement to the district.

District employees receiving a Mobile Telephone allowance will be personally responsible for all costs related to the Mobile Telephone plan they choose, even if those costs exceed the amount of the allowance. Because the Mobile Telephone account is the property of the employee, it is understood that the phone will be used for both school-related and personal communication. The Mobile Telephone allowance will be paid to the employee each payroll throughout the year.