Use of personal communication devices ("PCDs") has become pervasive in the workplace. For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPads and similar devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g., Kindles and similar devices), cell phones (e.g., mobile/cellular telephones, smartphones [e.g., BlackBerry, iPhone, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.], telephone paging devices [e.g., beepers or pagers]), and/or other web-enabled devices of any type. Whether the PCD is Board-owned and assigned to a specific employee, or personally-owned by the employee (regardless of whether the Board pays the employee an allowance for his/her use of the device, the Board reimburses the employee on a per use basis for their business-related use of his/her PCD, or the employee receives no remuneration for his/her use of a personally-owned PCD), the employee is responsible for using the device in a safe and appropriate manner.

Using a cell phone or other PCD while operating a vehicle is strongly discouraged. Employees should plan their work accordingly so that calls are placed, text messages/instant messages/e-mails read and/or sent, and/or the Internet browsed either prior to traveling or while on rest breaks. In the interest of safety for both Board employees and other drivers, employees are required to comply with all applicable laws while driving (including any laws that prohibit texting or using a cell phone or other PCD while driving).

Employees may not use a PCD in a way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated.

Employees are subject to all applicable policies and guidelines pertaining to protection of the security, integrity and availability of the data stored on their PCDs.

Cellular and wireless communications, including calls, text messages, instant messages, and e-mails sent from PCDs, may not be secure. Therefore, employees should use discretion in relaying confidential information, particularly as it relates to students.

Additionally, cellular/wireless communications, including text messages, instant messages and e-mails sent and/or received by a public employee or school official using his/her PCD may constitute public records if the content of the message concerns District business, or an education record if the content includes personally identifiable information about a student. Cellular/wireless communications that are public records are subject to retention and disclosure, upon request, in accordance with Policy 8310 – Public Records. Cellular/wireless communications that are student records should be maintained pursuant to Policy 8330 – Students Records. Finally, cellular/wireless communications and other electronically stored information (ESI) stored on the staff member's PCD may be subject to a Litigation Hold pursuant to Policy 8315 – Information Management. Staff are required to comply with District requests to produce copies of cellular/wireless communications in their possession that are either public records or education records, or that constitute ESI that is subject to a Litigation Hold.

If a PCD is lost, stolen hacked or otherwise subjected to unauthorized access, the employee must immediately notify the Superintendent so a determination can be made as to whether any public records, students records and/or ESI subject to a Litigation Hold has been compromised and/or lost. The Superintendent shall determine whether any security breach notification laws may have application to the situation. Appropriate notifications will be sent unless the records/information stored on the PCD was encrypted.

Except in emergency situations or as otherwise authorized by the Superintendent or as necessary to fulfill their job responsibilities, employees are prohibited from using PCDs to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school-related activity. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted.

PCDs, including but not limited to those with cameras, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to, classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The Superintendent and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.

During work hours personal communications made or received, regardless of whether on a PCD or a regular telephone or network computer, can interfere with employee productivity and distract others. Employees are expected to use discretion in using PCDs while at work for personal business. Employees are asked to limit personal communications to breaks and lunch periods, and to inform friends and family members of the Board's policy in this regard.

Violation of this policy may constitute just cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination. Use of a PCD in any manner contrary to local, State or Federal laws may also result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

R.C. 4511.204