FILE: F-11.10
USE OF TELECOMMUNICATION AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES
Employees of the Central Community School Board shall be prohibited from using electronic telecommunication devices such as personal cellular telephones, pagers, beepers or other such devices during the workday unless otherwise authorized or upon prior approval of their immediate supervisor.
Employees may use such communication devices during breaks or in emergency situations. Emergency means an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in the loss of life, injury, or property damage.
In addition, camera phones with video and/or still photography capabilities, voice-recording capabilities, or future technological improvements and/or still equivalent equipment may not be used unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee. A violation of any of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary actions, including but not limited to, dismissal of the employee.
Notwithstanding the above provisions, this policy shall not affect the conduct of law enforcement activities including the use of electronic detection devices, dogs or other means of conducting searches for weapons, drugs, or other contraband in whatever manner is otherwise permitted by law and consistent with School Board policy.
Exceptions
School administrators and supervisors may be permitted to carry cell phones in sight due to administrative and safety responsibilities. It is suggested that the phone be in the vibrate mode and used out of the sight of students whenever possible. No personal use of the cell phone is allowed except as provided above for the teachers and staff.
EMPLOYER PROVIDED CELLULAR PHONES
The School Board may provide cell phones to selected employees to ensure the safety of the educational community and its inhabitants, as well as to enhance all facets of school operations and procedures to improve the efficiency of the district. The Superintendent shall designate those employees who may be issued cell phones, based on the employees’ duties and responsibilities.
Cell phones are not a personal benefit, nor a primary mode of personal communication. Cell phones shall be used for school-related business only. While School Board-owned cell phones are not to be used for personal calls, should such calls occur, the School Board shall be reimbursed for all personal calls as well as a pro rata share of assessed fees and charges. Employees shall reimburse the School Board within ten (10) days of the billing notice by the School Board.
School Board personnel shall monitor use of the School Board-owned cell phones on a monthly basis for propriety and reasonableness of phone use.
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:40.3, 17:81, 17:239
Central Community School Board