5.33 The purpose of this policy is to promote the proper, acceptable use of all mobile devices, whether personal or issued by Socorro Consolidated Schools (SCS) to employees. The Superintendent will ensure monitor appropriate effectiveness of mobile device assignments. Scope This policy applies to mobile devices in use in the district. It specifically addresses all SCSissued mobile devices including but not limited to laptops, advanced mobile communication devices (e.g., a Windows or Android phone), cell phones, Wi-Fi equipment, ipads, tablets, and other hand-held devices. Mobile devices are issued by SCS to key administrators and other personnel as determined by the Superintendent, and the devices are managed by the Technology Department (in most cases). Mobile devices are generally issued because: The individual must be available when they are not at their office phone or because they are rarely at their desk. Mobile computing is considered vital to the performance of job functions. The individual must supervise or contact staff members who work in a service role. The individual is deemed to be on call outside normal business hours. 5.33.1: Use of SCS-issued Devices 5.33.1.1: General Use at Work 5.33.1.1.1 The use of any personal mobile device at work must comply with the requirements of the Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Personal cell phones should be used sparingly, and personal mobile devices may only be used during school hours to conduct SCS business (including classroom instruction and student engagement). 5.33.1.1.2 Mobile devices are issued by SCS for the conduct of SCS business and are not for personal use. While a limited amount of non-business use is sometimes appropriate (for example: family emergencies, travel on business, etc.), personal use may place SCS at risk for fines,
penalties and additional carrier charges. Such charges for violations may be billed to users as described under Section 7. 5.33.1.1.2: Unsafe Work Conditions 5.33.1.1.2.1 Mobile Devices, whether personal or SCS issued, may not be used in unsafe conditions such as construction sites or near heavy machinery. Users must go to a safe area before using their mobile device. 5.33.1.1.3: Use While Driving 5.33.1.1.3.1The use of mobile devices, whether personal or SCS-issued, is strictly prohibited while driving any vehicle (personal or SCS) on school business. 5.33.2: Use of SCS Mobile Devices 5.33.2.1 An employee cannot refuse to accept an SCS-issued mobile phone if required to do so by the Superintendent. An exception may be made if the employee provides a personal mobile number and agrees to follow the requirements of this policy. 5.33.2.2 All SCS-issued equipment must be returned promptly at the end of employment. Equipment must be properly protected from damage, and unusual damages or losses outside normal depreciation will be the financial responsibility of the employee. 5.33.2.3 Texting on mobile devices is provided as a convenience for administrators and is not for personal use. Texting minutes are monitored on monthly bills and excessive use may result disciplinary action. 5.33.2.4 All employees issued a mobile phone must keep the device activated and charged at all times when possible. While it is reasonable to expect users to respond to urgent matters between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM during work days, supervisors will establish on-call times and guidance for their staff. 5.33.2.5 Employees issued an SCSD mobile device are expected to check their messages during weekends and holidays as appropriate. Failure to acknowledge urgent messages may result in disciplinary action based on the judgment of the Superintendent.
5.33.2.6Generally, the Superintendent, Executive Director of Finance and the Director of Technology are the only individuals with 24/7 on-call status. During impending weather problems, the Director of Transportation should be available as well. Other personnel may be assigned this status based on District and School needs. 5.33.3 Company Supplied Devices and Vehicles Use of SCS-issued mobile devices while driving school-owned vehicles is strictly prohibited at all times. If an employee is operating a school vehicle and receives a call while driving, the employee may answer, but shall ask the caller to hold, put the phone down and pull to the side of the roadway, into a parking lot or other safe location to respond to the call. 5.33.4 Use of Camera Phones Camera phones can present risks to Socorro Consolidated Schools, potentially compromising the privacy of staff and students. Use of any camera phone must meet the standards of the Technology Acceptable Use Policy, and users of SCS issued camera phones are expected to use good judgment when using their camera. 5.33.4.1Camera phones are banned from all areas where there are obvious compromises to personal privacy and safety (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms, science laboratories, etc.). 5.33.4.2 Before taking a student s photographs, the user must ensure that the student and/or the student s parent/guardian submitted the signed release form required by the Technology Acceptable Use Policy. 5.33.4.3 It is prohibited to take an SCS employee s photograph using any camera unless the employee consents. Using a camera to photograph employees at public or group events is acceptable provided good judgment is used. 5.33.4.4 Users of all cameras and video recording devices are subject to enforcement of New Mexico s voyeurism laws (N.M. STAT. ANN. 30-9-20 {2008}). Specifically, the law prohibits the recording or disseminating of images of an individual s private areas without consent,
when the recording was made in a location that the person expected would be private. Violators will be reported to the proper authorities and will also be subject to disciplinary action by the Superintendent. 5.33.5: Review of Monthly Charges and Usage All monthly charges and usage on SCS issued mobile devices will be subject to review by Administration. Instances of irregular or excessive use will be referred to the Superintendent and the user s manager to determine the appropriate consequences. Further, usage of Internet and SCS-issued mobile devices may be monitored in accordance with the district s Technology Acceptable Use Policy. 5.33.6 Loss or Damage of SCS Issued Mobile Devices Loss, damage, or mobile device replacement costs may be paid by the employee. 5.33.7: Special Responsibilities of Administrators Supervisory personnel are reminded that employees have a right to their lives with their family and friends, and that contact outside normal business hours should only be under the most serious or necessary circumstances.
It is the responsibility of all managerial and supervisory personnel to provide guidance and coaching in the proper use of mobile devices. This includes modeling appropriate behaviors and helping employees guard against irregular, excessive or inappropriate use. It is expected that managers and supervisors will practice and model professional and appropriate etiquette (for example, turning off ringers and other sounds in meetings, using business-like ring tones, etc.). 5.33.8: Approval and Potential Disciplinary Action This policy will become effective upon approval of the SCS Board of Education. Although these responsibilities and obligations were previously understood, and even addressed under the Technology Acceptable Use Policy, this policy will not be applied retro-actively. Discipline under this policy will be appropriate to the severity of the infraction, and will take multiple violations into account. All disciplinary action under this policy requires the approval of the Superintendent, and will include but is not limited to the following: 5.33.8.1 Employees accruing extra charges above and beyond the regular monthly service charges may be billed for such charges. 5.33.8.2 Employee violations of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Superintendent and the immediate supervisor; such disciplinary actions may range from an informal warning to termination. Disciplinary action will be based on the severity of the infraction and the number of previous infractions. 5.33.8.3 Many SCS mobile devices are covered under Federal E-Rate guidelines that generally prohibit personal use. For example, even though a device may have unlimited calling and texting (or free nights and weekends ), that does not allow personal use because federal funds are paying for the carrier charges. All fines incurred against SCS may be passed onto employees who violate these usage guidelines. 5.33.8.4 Any mobile device usage violating the terms of the SCS Technology Acceptable Use Policy will also result in appropriate disciplinary action as required in that policy. Policy Revision April 30, 2012