2550 ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES POLICY
1. Purpose
1.1 In some instances, the possession and use of electronic communication devices by District employees may be appropriate. 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 also may lead to disruptions of the educational process. The purpose of this policy is to vest in school and District administrators the authority to enforce reasonable rules relating to electronic communication devices in the workplace.
2. Definitions
2.1 An "electronic communication device" includes cellular and PCS telephones, camera telephones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), video broadcasting 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. This includes blue tooth or other wired or wireless devices, headsets, earpieces, earphone, or any other equipment that might distract an employee from their responsibilities.
3. Personally Owned Electronic Communication Devices
3.1 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.
3.2 Personal use of an electronic communication device is allowable during normal break times, lunch times, and preparation times. Electronic communication devices should not be used during instructional time or at school-sponsored programs, meetings, in-services, parent(s)/guardian(s) conferences, or any other time where there would be a reasonable expectation of quiet attentiveness.
3.3 Electronic communication devices must be used in an ethical and responsible manner. It is school district policy that students and others in the public schools should not be subject to video or audio capture, recording, or transmission of their words or images by any employee without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording, or transmission of such words or images. There are certain situations where the possession or use of electronic communication devices and cameras is absolutely prohibited within the public school.
4. School Bus and Vehicle Operators
4.1 Employees operating a school bus are prohibited from operating the bus while using an electronic communication device, whether personally owned or District issued. The only exception to this is the District provided two-way radio provided in the bus for emergency communication. Employees operating any other District-owned or leased vehicle while transporting students are prohibited from operating the vehicle while using an electronic communication device, whether personally owned or District issued.
4.2 It is the bus/vehicle operator’s responsibility, in accordance with policy and training instructions, to keep his/her attention and awareness on the safe operation of the bus/vehicle, the safety of all passengers, and the safety of the public at all times.
4.3 An electronic communication device may only be used under the following conditions:
4.3.1 If the bus/vehicle is stopped and appropriately secured the driver may use the device for emergencies, special needs students, behavior management, field/activity trips, mechanical breakdown or problem, or other school district/school business related issues.
4.3.2 A driver may use these devices for personal use once a school bus or vehicle is safely parked, appropriately secured off the roadway and all passengers are safely off and moved away from the bus/vehicle.
Utah Code Ann. § 53B-17-1001
Approved 12/17/08