401.12 - Employee Use of Cell Phones
401.12 - Employee Use of Cell PhonesThe use of cell phones and other communication devices may be appropriate to provide for the effective and efficient operation of the school district and to help ensure safety and security of people and property while on school district property or engaged in school sponsored activities.
Employees may possess and use cell phones during the school day as outlined in this policy and as provided in the administrative regulation developed by the superintendent. Employees should not use cell phones for personal business while on-duty, including staff development times, parent-teacher conferences, etc., except in the case of an emergency or during prep time or break/lunch times. Employees, except for bus drivers, see below, are prohibited from using cell phones while driving except in the case of an emergency and any such use must comply with applicable state and federal law and district policies and regulations.
Texting conversations involving confidential student or employee information is prohibited.
School bus drivers are prohibited from using any communication device while operating the bus except in the case of an emergency, receiving critical work information, or to call for assistance, after the vehicle has been stopped. Any such use must comply with applicable state and federal law and district policies and regulations.
Employees violating the policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge. It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Internal Revenue Comment Notice, 2009-46,
http://www.irs.gov/irb/2009-23_IRB/ar07.html
Iowa Code §§ 279.8; 321.276.
I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code § 279.8 Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees
Iowa Code § 321.276 Motor Vehicles - Electronic Devices/Driving
Cross References: 503.09 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
503.09-R(1) Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices - Regulation
707.05 Internal Controls
707.05-R(1) Internal Controls - Procedures
Approved: 2/15/2016, 8/16/2021, 6/16/2025
Reviewed: 5/19/2025
Revised: 5/19/2025
401.12R(1) - Employee Use of Cell Phones Regulation
401.12R(1) - Employee Use of Cell Phones RegulationCell Phone Usage
1. Cell phones shall be used in a manner that does not disrupt instruction and should not be used during school- sponsored programs, meetings, in-services, or other events where there exists a reasonable expectation of quiet attentiveness unless there is a reason of personal health or safety involved.
2. Cell phones should not be used to transmit confidential student or personal information in written form.
3. Employees are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving as part of their work duties, unless in the case of an emergency, unless the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the gear is in park.
Cell Phone Business Procedures
School district employees will not be reimbursed for use of privately owned cell phones to conduct school district business in accordance with board policy and this regulation.
I.C. Iowa Code Description
Iowa Code § 279.8 Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees
Iowa Code § 321.276 Motor Vehicles - Electronic Devices/Driving
Cross References: 503.09 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
503.09-R(1) Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices - Regulation
707.05 Internal Controls
707.05-R(1) Internal Controls - Procedures
Approved: 8/16/2021, 6/16/2025
Reviewed: 5/19/2025
Revised: 5/19/2025