Acceptable Use of Personally Owned Electronic Communication Devices - Employees
Overview
The possession and use of electronic communication devices by District employees may be appropriate in some instances. However, the use of such devices by District employees can also have the effect of distracting and disrupting the employee and others in the school setting. These devices may also lead to disruptions in the educational process.
Purpose
The purpose of the policy is to vest in the school and District administrators the authority to enforce reasonable rules relating to electronic communication devices in the workplace.
Definitions
An ‘electronic communication device' includes cellular and PCS telephones, camera telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), two-way radios or video broad casting devices, pagers, and any other device that allows a person to record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information.
Scope
This policy governs an employee's use of a personally owned electronic devices during the workday and during other assigned duty times including but not limited to instructional time, school-sponsored programs or activities, meetings, in-service training, parent/teacher conferences or any other time where there is a reasonable expectation of quiet or attentiveness.
Description
• Employees may carry and use personally owned electronic communication devices on school property subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Education. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Electronic communication devices should be turned off and stored out of sight during the workday except under the following conditions:
• During school-related emergencies or school-related situations that require prompt communication to ensure health and safety.
• During personal emergencies with pre-approval from the Superintendent, the building principal or designee.
• During normal break times, lunch times and preparation times.
• Employees are expected to use electronic communication devices in an ethical and responsible manner, refraining from subjecting others at school from video or audio capture, recording, or transmission of others' words or images without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording or transmission of such words and images.
• During contract time and during other school activities, duties or assignments, electronic communication devices shall be used in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and in an ethical manner.
• Employees operating a school bus, or any other District-owned or leased vehicle, are prohibited from operating the vehicle while using an electronic communication device, whether personally owned or District-issued, except:
• During an emergency situation.
• To call for assistance, after stopping the vehicle, if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem;
• When the vehicle is stopped and where the electronic communication device is owned by the District and used as a digital two-way radio;
• When the school bus or other vehicle is parked.
Utah Code Ann. 53A-3-402
Use of District-Issued Electronic Communication Devices
Overview
District electronic communication devices shall be used to support the educational business requirements of the District. District-issued electronic communication devices shall be used in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, and in a cost-effective and ethical manner.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to govern the employee's use of district-issued electronic communication devices as determined beneficial and essential in carrying out employee job responsibilities.
Definitions
An ‘electronic communication device' or ‘device' includes cellular and PCS telephones, camera telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), two-way radios or video broad casting devices, pagers, and any other device that allows a person to record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information.
Scope
This policy governs an employee's use of District-issued electronic communication devices during contract hours and during other assigned duty times. The Business Administrator is authorized to assign District-issued electronic communication devices to staff based on job requirements and/or District need. Employee requests for a District-issued electronic communication device or requests for service of an issued device shall be made to the Business Administrator. The Business Administrator shall oversee compliance issues relating to this policy.
Description
• Eligible Users – District-issued electronic communication devices are to be used only by district employees. All employees requiring the use of a District-issued electronic communication device shall read and sign this policy statement. Each employee assigned a District-issued electronic communication device shall notify the Business Administrator immediately to terminate service of his or her District-issued device should this service no longer be needed. The Business Administrator reserves the right to revoke employee user privilege for any reason.
• Acceptable Use – Electronic communication devices owned by the District , or any electronic communication device used to conduct District business, must be used in accordance with the following standards:
• District-issued electronic communication devices are to be used only for District business. Personal use of these devices is prohibited except in emergency situations or with pre-approval from the Superintendent or school principal or designee. In the event non-approved, personal calls are made or received on a District-issued electronic communication device, including personal emergency calls, the employee must reimburse the District for all costs incurred.
• District-issued electronic communication devices are valuable and should be handled with care. Loss, theft, or damage to a District-issued electronic communication device must be reported immediately to the Business Administrator. If loss, theft, or damage occurs as a result of employee negligence, the employee to whom the device is assigned will be responsible for reimbursing the District for repair or replacement costs.
• District-issued electronic communication devices are to be used in an ethical and responsible manner. No employee is to use a District-issued electronic communication device for the purpose of illegal transactions, harassment, obscene or offensive behavior or other violations of District policies or federal, state or local laws.
• As a cost-saving measures regarding cell phones, employees are expected to
1. use a desktop phone, if accessible, rather than a District-issued cell phone.
2. use landline to landline or cell to cell.
• Limit access of their District cell phone numbers to only those who need it.
• If the employee assigned a District-issued electronic communication device does not return the device and/or related equipment when requested, the employee will be required to reimburse the District for the purchase price of the device and/or related equipment.
• Employees have no expectation of privacy in using District-issued electronic communication devices.
• Employees shall avoid using District-issued electronic communication devices in classrooms during instructional time.
• Employees assigned District-issued electronic communication devices are required to leave the devices turned on during contract hours, whether in or out of the office, as required by his/her job requirements and as arranged by the Business Administrator.
• Employees operating a school bus, or any other District-owned or leased vehicle, are prohibited from operating the vehicle while using an electronic communication device, whether personally owned or District-issued, except:
• During an emergency situation.
• To call for assistance, after stopping the vehicle, if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem;
• When the vehicle is stopped and where the electronic communication device is owned by the District and used as a digital two-way radio;
• When the school bus or other vehicle is parked.
Misuse of District-Issued Electronic Communication Devices
If an employee misuses a District-issued electronic communication device or leaves District employment, the employee may be responsible for fees or charges associated with cancellation of the service contract.
If the Superintendent or designee determines that the employee no longer needs a District-issued electronic communication device to perform the employee's job responsibilities, any fees or charges associated with cancellation of the service contract shall be the responsibility of the District.
Utah Code Ann. 53A-3-402
Employee Declaration
I, __________________________________, have read and understood the Acceptable Use of Electronic Communication Devices Policy. I agree to adhere to the rules outlined therein.
Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: _____________________
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Personal Use Plan for District-Issued Cell Phones (Superintendent's Pre-Approved Option)
The purpose of this Plan is to provide employees an option for personal use of a District-issued cell phones. This Personal Use Plan is a ‘pilot plan' and is subject to change as overall District usage is evaluated. The Plan may also change as District agreements with providers change. All employees electing to participate in the Plan will be notified before any changes are made.
User Name: ________________________________________________________________________
School/Department: _________________________________________________________________
Date Issued: _______________________________ Cell Phone Number: ___________________
Other Pertinent Information: __________________________________________________________
Employee Agreement
I understand and agree to the following:
• The purpose of my District-issued cell phone is to enable me to carry out responsibilities associated with my work for Grand County School District.
• Personal use of District-issued phones/service is provided at an agreed upon rate. The current rate is $15.00 per month. This cost will be deducted from my monthly paycheck.
• This Personal Use Plan is under evaluation and is subject to change. If changes are to be made to this Plan, the District will contact me before any changes are made.
• In signing the Personal Use Plan, I am committing to the Plan for my contract year. However, should the District require changes to the Plan before the end of my contract year, I will be notified of the changes. At that time I will have the opportunity to re-sign the Plan under the new changes or to end my participation in the Plan.
Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Authorized by: _____________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Policy Approved: August 20, 2008