FILE: GAMI
Cf: EDC, JCDAE
EMPLOYEE USE OF TELEPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES
Vermilion Parish School Board employees may possess, with the approval of the principal/building administrator, 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, 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.
GUIDELINES
The following guidelines have been adopted to ensure acceptable use of cell phones or other electronic communication devices in school buildings and on school buses by teachers and staff of the Vermilion Parish School System:
Cell phones or any other form of electronic communication devices are to be kept out of sight and on silent or vibrate mode.
In addition, cell phones are not to be used by staff in hallways, the cafeteria, or any area when students are in sight.
Cell phone use by teachers and staff is permissible in a building if used out of the sight of students (classrooms with no students, teacher lounge, faculty restrooms, etc.)
Use of social media by employees for non-school related purposes during work time is prohibited.
Any staff member who violates this policy shall be subject to corrective action by the Superintendent and the School Board, including suspension and termination.
Exceptions
School administrators and supervisors may be permitted to carry cell phones in sight due to administrative and safety responsibilities. The phone is required to 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 Vermilion 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 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 must 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. All School Board-owned electronic telecommunication devices, including cellular phones, provided to an employee shall be returned to Vermilion Parish School Board upon being placed on leave, with or without pay, and upon termination.
Adopted: July 20, 2016
Revised: September 20, 2018
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:40.3, 17:81, 17:239
Board minutes, 7-20-16, 9-20-18
Vermilion Parish School Board