Regulation IFBGA-R(1): Electronic Communications

Cellular Telephone Usage

The term “cellular telephone” means all cellular or wireless telephones and/or communication devices, including all related equipment and accessories.

The issuance and use of the DCSS cellular telephones for official DCSS business shall be in accordance with the following procedures:

1. A DCSS issued cellular telephone shall be used by authorized staff for appropriate business purposes. This includes being responsive to incoming calls from DCSS employees and other stakeholders seeking to conduct DCSS-related business.

2. Authorized users must sign the DCSS Cellular Telephone Usage Agreement form.

3. Cellular telephone voice mail greetings must clearly state that the caller has reached a cellular telephone of an individual with the DeKalb County School System.

4. Authorized users must adhere to all federal, state or local rules and regulations regarding the use of cellular telephones while driving. Accordingly, authorized users must not use cellular telephones if such conduct is prohibited by law, regulation or other ordinance. Authorized users should not use DCSS-issued cellular telephones while driving, except in an emergency situation. Should an employee need to make a call while driving, he should locate a lawfully designated area to park and make the call.

5. Personal use of an assigned cellular telephone shall be limited to the extent possible and generally used for emergency purposes only. If the department head determines that an authorized user’s personal use is excessive, reimbursement to DCSS must be made for airtime and/or additional incurred charges.

6. Cellular telephones connecting to and/or using the DCSS network or services is subject to the DCSS Internet/Intranet Acceptable Use Policy.

7. All DCSS cellular telephones and usage account statements, invoices, and payment documents are public records and, as such, may be subject to review and disclosure.

8. Authorized users are responsible for proper care of cellular telephones and taking reasonable precautions against damage, loss, or theft. A cellular telephone that is damaged in the course of business should be brought to the attention of the department head, who in turn will contact the appropriate person for replacement or repair. A lost or stolen cellular telephone should be immediately reported, so that the service can be deactivated. Losses attributable to negligence shall be replaced by the employee at the current cost to replace the equipment.

9. As conversations over cellular telephones are easily monitored, and may be monitored by outside parties, authorized users should use discretion when discussing confidential and sensitive information over cellular telephones in public locations.

10. It is the responsibility of the supervisor, manager and/or department head to ensure the return of the cellular telephone when it is no longer needed or upon an employee’s separation from DCSS. If the telephone is not returned upon an employee’s separation, its actual replacement cost shall be deducted from any amounts owed to the employee.

11. Improper use of the cellular telephone can be considered misappropriation of school district funds which may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Cellular Telephone Usage Agreement

Acknowledgement of Understanding

I acknowledge that I have received information regarding the DeKalb County School System Cellular Telephone Use Policy and Procedures. I understand that I am responsible for proper care and must take reasonable precautions against damage, loss, or theft. I also understand that it is my responsibility to replace the cellular telephone at current cost in the event of damage or loss due to negligence.

I further understand that I am required to return all cellular equipment if my employment with DeKalb County School System is terminated (voluntarily or involuntarily) before my final paycheck is issued. If the property is not returned, I agree that the replacement cost will be deducted from my final District paycheck by the District.

I understand that I have no expectation of privacy with respect to my use of a District-issued cellular telephone.

I understand that the Cellular Telephone Usage Policy and Procedures are under continuing review and are subject to revisions.

______________________________________________ _______________________

Employee’s Signature Date

Cellular Telephone Number Assigned: _______________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________