FILE: GAMI
EMPLOYEE USE OF TELEPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES
Lincoln 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, 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 in school buildings and on school buses by teachers and staff of the Lincoln Parish School system:
Cell phones are to be kept out of sight and the power off when students are present.
In a situation where there is a "real need" for the phone to be on, it should be set on "silent" or "vibrate." Real need is defined as a situation where a staff member may need to be contacted without delay. In such a case, teachers or staff should not talk on the cell phone in front of students. The staff member should inform their principal when this situation exists, whenever possible.
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.)
Corrective actions to be taken by school administration:
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First offense: |
the staff member shall have an informal conference with the principal.
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Second offense: |
the staff member shall have a documented conference with the principal.
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Third offense: |
the staff member shall be required to meet with the Personnel Director (documented).
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Fourth offense: |
the staff member shall be required to meet with the Superintendent and will receive one day of leave without pay. |
Any staff member who violates this policy following the fourth offense 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 Lincoln 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.
New policy: March 3, 2009
Revised: August, 2009
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:40.3, 17:81, 17:239
Board minutes, 3-3-09, 10-21-09
Lincoln Parish School Board