GAMI, Employee Use of Electronic Telecommunication Devices

FILE: GAMI

EMPLOYEE USE OF ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES

Iberville Parish School Board employees may possess an electronic telecommunication device in any elementary, middle, or high school building, or on the grounds thereof or in any school bus used to transport public school students, but must not have them turned on or use them during instructional time, or while on duty, or in the presence of students or visitors, unless authorized by the school principal or supervisor of that building/department, except in an emergency. An emergency is defined as an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety, which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

Furthermore, 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 these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary actions, including but not limited to, dismissal of the employee.

PERSONAL CELLULAR PHONE USE

The use of cellular telephones by all Iberville Parish School Board Personnel during normal working hours on a school campus or in any school bus must be approved by the principal of that campus or supervisor of that building/department. Except as noted, the use of cellular telephones by Iberville Parish School Board personnel during instructional time shall be strictly prohibited. A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary actions, including but not limited to, dismissal of the employee.

EMPLOYER PROVIDED CELLULAR PHONES

The Iberville Parish School Board may provide cell phones to employees to ensure the safety of the educational community and school clientele, as well as to enhance all facets of school operations and procedures to improve the efficiency of the school district. The Superintendent shall designate those employees who may be issued cell phones, based on the employees’ duties and responsibilities.

In order to account for the issuance of School Board cell phones and to ensure proper usage of equipment, employees shall adhere to the following guidelines:

Cell phones are to be used for business purposes only. Personal calls are allowed if the employee is traveling away from their home on School Board business or in the event of an emergency.
The direct supervisor of those issued cell phones shall audit assigned cell phones periodically to ensure compliance of plan usage and/or policy.
In the event of a resignation, termination, or retirement, employees must return the cell phone and any related equipment, (headset, charger, etc.) to their direct supervisor.
Employees in possession of an IPSB cell phone are required to take appropriate precautions to prevent theft or damage to the equipment. If the cell phone is damaged or lost, the employee shall replace or fix the cell phone.
Employees have the responsibility to use the equipment with prudence and reasonable care:

Employees shall control calls – manage incoming calls using the cell phone Caller I.D.
Employees shall keep calls on target - manage the length of calls by discussing only the pertinent details.

Use of a hand-held cell phone while driving in an IPSB vehicle is prohibited.

New policy: May, 2010

Revised: October 9, 2023

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:239

Board minutes, 5-10-10, 10-9-23

Iberville Parish School Board