EMPLOYEE USE OF CELL PHONES

The purpose of this policy is to address employee use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices (except laptops), whether school unit-owned or personally owned, including those that send or receive text messages, allow retrieval or sending of email or provide Internet access.

The Acton School Committee recognizes that the use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices may be appropriate to the efficient operations of the school and help to ensure the safety of students and staff and the security of school property. 

Acton Elementary School employees may not use cell phones or electronic communication devices, whether school unit owned or personally owned, for non-school related business while they are engaged in instruction or supervision of students or of a school sponsored activity, or in any other manner that interferes with attending to and/or carrying out their job responsibilities.  Employees are free to use their personal cell phones and other electronic communication devices during off-duty, lunch or break times. 

Use of cell phones and electronic communication devices, whether school unit owned or personally owned, in a manner that violates School Committee policies, administrative procedures and/or state or federal laws will result in discipline and referral to law enforcement officials, as appropriate. 

In the interest of safety, school employees are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones and electronic communications devices while driving Acton School Department owned motor vehicles, whether transporting students, other staff or driving alone.  School employees are also prohibited from using hand-held cell phones and electronic communications devices while transporting students in private vehicles. School employees may use hands free GPS when necessary.

The Acton School Department may provide cell phones or other electronic communication devices to some employees to assist them in carrying out their employment-related duties on or off school property.  The Superintendent shall

have the discretion as to which employees will be provided school owned cell 

phones and other electronic communication devices, based upon need and availability.  School owned cell phones and other electronic communications devices are to be used for school-related business purposes and are not intended for personal use except in emergencies involving employee health or safety.  Employees have no expectation of privacy in their use of school owned cell phones/electronic communications devices or the information stored on them.

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS

Employees operating a school department or private vehicle while transporting students are prohibited from operating the vehicle while using a cell phone or other electronic communications device, whether personally owned or issued by the school department, except during an emergency situation or to call for assistance in the event of a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem, and then only when the vehicle is stopped or parked.

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Adopted:   May 10, 2011 

Revised: September 12, 2024