Cellular Telephones and Other Wireless Telecommuncations Devices

It is the policy of the Oologah-Talala Board of Education that a cellular telephone will be provided for use by designated personnel of this school district. The district may elect to issue certain communications devices to employees in order increase the efficiency of district operations. Issuance and use of district wireless telecommunications devices and other communication equipment shall be subject to the rules established by the superintendent and approved by the board.

School employees are prohibited from text messaging and/or using cell phones while driving a school bus or school owned vehicle. If an emergency situation arises, the employee shall remove the bus or vehicle from the roadway and place an emergency call to the appropriate legal authorities. Any employee found to have engaged in text messaging or the nonschool emergency use of a cell phone while driving a school vehicle shall be subject to disciplinary measures which could include termination of employment.

Employees are also prohibited from text messaging and/or using cell phones during hours of instruction and/or hours of employment. Employees who are found to have engaged in text messaging and/or using cell phones during hours of instruction or hours of employment shall be subject to disciplinary measures which could include termination of employment.

Therefore, the superintendent is directed to establish a regulation to provide reasonable access to a cellular telephone or other communication devices by designated personnel.