GBCC

  POLICY:  GBCC

       EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/5/26 

REVIEWED BY POLICY COMMITTEE: 5/06/26

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 RSU #74 Board recognizes that the use of cell phones and other electronic communication devices may be appropriate to the efficient operations of the school unit and helping to ensure the safety of students and staff and the security of school unit property.

RSU #74 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 board 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 and consistent with Maine law, RSU #74 employees are prohibited from holding, using, or interacting with hand-held cell phones and electronic communication devices while driving school owned-vehicles or driving on school business unless they can do so hands-free.

RSU #74 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/designee shall have the discretion as to which employees will be provided school unit owned cell phones and other electronic communication devices, based upon need and availability. 

RSU #74 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 unit owned cell phones/electronic communications devices or the information stored on them.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

Employees operating a school bus or other school unit vehicle 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 unit, 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.