USE OF ELECTRONIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT EMPLOYEES WHO OPERATE BOARD-OWNED OR OPERATED VEHICLES | Policy Manual

8605 - USE OF ELECTRONIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES BY DISTRICT EMPLOYEES WHO OPERATE BOARD-OWNED OR OPERATED VEHICLES

Personal communication devices ("PCDs"), including PCDs equipped with earpieces, earbuds, headsets, and/or Bluetooth, shall not be used for sending or reading text messages, or sending or reading e-mails or any other data, anytime the operator is actively driving a District school bus or other Board-owned vehicle during the course of employment, with or without students on board. No driver may use a handheld mobile telephone anytime, except for direction navigation purposes, while operating a Board-owned vehicle, including any time where the vehicle is in operation even if temporarily stopped due to traffic or traffic control situation, provided such directions are inputted into the device while the vehicle is not being operated, or to communicate with law enforcement or other emergency services if necessary.

For purposes of this policy, electronic PCDs include, but are not limited to, cellular and wireless telephones, pagers/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Blackberries/Smartphones, any text-messaging device, and other WI-FI-enabled or broadband access devices, including computers, but does not include Citizens Band Radio or other two-way device which is installed in the vehicle and communicates directly with District transportation officials and other District vehicles only.

Safety is always the priority while driving a school bus or other vehicle in the course of employment. Any deviation to the above policy will result in disciplinary action as set forth in Board policy, including termination from employment.

Revised 4/10/18