S.
CELLULAR TELEPHONES
This policy outlines the use of cell phones at work, the personal use of business cell phones and the safe use
of cell phones by employees while driving.
1.
USE OF PERSONAL AND/OR SPS PROVIDED CELLULAR TELEPHONES
a. TEACHERS & STAFF ASSIGNED TO A CLASSROOM OR OTHER ASSIGNMENT
INVOLVING SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
Except in the case of an actual emergency, teachers and other staff assigned to a classroom or who otherwise
supervise students during working time are prohibited from using cellular telephones during working time.
This includes, but is not limited to, talking on the cellular telephone, texting, using the internet, checking
email playing games and/or listening to music. In addition, the cellular telephone must be in a silent or
vibrate mode at all times during working hours.
In the case of an actual emergency, the teacher or other staff member shall, if possible, request that another
appropriate individual take over supervision of the students while the teacher or other staff member is using
the telephone.
b. ADMINISTRATIVE & OTHER STAFF WHO DO NOT SUPERVISE STUDENTS
Administrative and other staff who do not supervise students may use cellular telephones during working
hours for business purposes. However, use of a cellular telephone shall not interfere with the employee’s
ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of his/her job including, but not limited to, the employee’s ability
to provide prompt and appropriate service in his/her position.
Except in the case of an actual emergency, personal use of cellular telephones during working time is
prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, talking on the cellular telephone, texting, using the internet,
checking email playing games and/or listening to music.
c. SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
School administrators are expected only to exercise discretion in the use of cellular telephones. Use of a
cellular telephone by a school administrator shall not interfere with the administrator’s ability to
satisfactorily perform the duties of his/her job including, but not limited to, the administrator’s ability to
provide prompt and appropriate service in his/her position.
d. GENERAL PROVISIONS
All employees are free to use their cellular telephones in a non-disruptive manner during their break and
lunch periods.
SPS will not be liable for lost or stolen personal cell phones brought into the workplace.
2.
PERSONAL USE OF SPS PROVIDED CELLULAR TELEPHONES
Where SPS needs demand immediate access to an employee, the SPS may issue a business cellular telephone
to an employee for work-related communications. Except in the case of employees who are issued a phone
as part of the employee’s taxable compensation, such phones are to be used for business reasons only. Phone
bills may be audited to ensure no unauthorized use has occurred. Personal calls will be limited to actual
emergencies only.
Employees in possession of SPS equipment such as cell phones are expected to protect the equipment from
loss, damage or theft. The employee may be asked to produce the phone for return or inspection at any time.
The employee must return the phone upon termination of employment and the phone must be in good repair
allowing for reasonable wear and tear.
3.
SAFETY ISSUES FOR CELLULAR TELEPHONE USE
Employees driving a school-owned vehicle (or private vehicle being used for school purposes), shall not use
a cell phone while driving, unless the phone is used with “hands-free” equipment that allows for the placing
and acceptance of calls without requiring the driver to remove his or her hands from the wheel and without
taking her or his eyes off the road. Safety must come before all other concerns. Regardless of the
circumstances, including slow or stopped traffic, employees must safely stop the vehicle outside of any
traffic area before placing or accepting a call. The same requirements apply to the use of personal cell
phones and when text messaging on both SPS issued and personal cell phones. Special care should be taken
in situations where there is traffic, inclement weather, or the employee is driving in an unfamiliar area.
Employees whose job responsibilities do not specifically include driving as an essential function, but who are
issued a cell phone for business use, are also expected to abide by the provisions above. Under no
circumstances are employees allowed to place themselves at risk to fulfill their job duties or business needs.
Employees who are charged with traffic violations resulting from the use of their cell phone while driving
will be solely responsible for all liabilities that result from such actions.
4.
VIOLATIONS OF POLICY
A first violation of this policy will result in a documented verbal warning; a second violation will result in a
written warning; a third violation will result in 3-day suspension without pay; a fourth violation will result in
termination of employment.