Policy No. 401.12
The use of cell phones and other communication devices may be appropriate to provide for the effective and efficient operation of the school district and to help ensure safety and security of people and property while on school district property or engaged in school‑sponsored activities.
Employees may possess and use cell phones during the school day as outlined in this policy and as provided in the administrative regulation developed by the superintendent. Employees should not use cell phones for personal business while on-duty, including staff development times, parent-teacher conferences, etc., except in the case of an emergency or during prep time or break/lunch times. Employees, except for bus drivers, see below, are prohibited from using cell phones while driving except in the case of an emergency and any such use must comply with applicable state and federal law and district policies and regulations.
Cell phones are not to be used for conversations involving confidential student or employee information.
School bus drivers are prohibited from using any communication device while operating the bus except in the case of an emergency, or to call for assistance, after the vehicle has been stopped. Any such use must comply with applicable state and federal law and district policies and regulations.
Employees violating the policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including, discharge. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal References: Internal Revenue Comment Notice, 2009-46, http://www.irs.gov/irb/2009-23_IRB/ar07.html
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321.276.
Cross References: 406 Licensed Employee Compensation and Benefits
412 Classified Employee Compensation and Benefits
707.5 Internal Controls
Approved Reviewed; 11/21/23 Revised
Policy No. 401.12R1
EMPLOYEE USE OF CELL PHONES REGULATION
1. Cell phones shall be used in a manner that does not disrupt instruction and should not be used during school-sponsored programs, meetings, in-services, or other events where there exists a reasonable expectation of quiet attentiveness unless there is a reason of personal health or safety involved.
2. Cell phones should not be used to transmit confidential student or personal information either verbally or written.
3. Employees are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving as part of their work duties, unless in the case of an emergency, unless the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the gear is in park.
Cell Phone Business Procedures
School district employees may be reimbursed for use of privately owned cell phones to conduct school district business in accordance with board policy and this regulation, with prior approval of the superintendent.
1. Requests for reimbursement for authorized use of employee owned cell phones are to be submitted on school district provided forms accompanied by a copy of the billing statement with the school district business related calls highlighted. A notation for each highlighted entry, indicating the nature of the call is required. The employee’s immediate supervisor must sign-off on the billing statement verifying the calls were school district business related. School district reimbursement for authorized use of employee owned cell phones will be made in conformance with school district payment procedures. Requests for reimbursement, including the highlighted billing statement must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the end of the time period for which reimbursement is requested. Requests submitted after the reimbursement deadline has passed will be denied.