While the Board of Trustees believes the use of wireless communication devices by district bus drivers is important to provide instant communication regarding emergencies as well as to convey other important district information, bus drivers shall be subject to the following restrictions to ensure safe use of personal or district wireless communication devices.
For purposes of this policy, wireless communication device is defined as any device intended to facilitate communication, including but not limited to cell phones, two-way radios, walkie-talkies, palm pilots, blackberries, PDAs, beepers, pagers, etc.
Bus drivers shall not place or receive communications on any personally owned wireless communication device while passengers are loading or unloading from the bus or while the bus is in motion.
Under usual circumstances, use of district owned wireless communication devices shall be allowed when used to assist a driver and/or dispatcher in the necessary communications periodically needed to safely deliver children – home to school, school to school, school to home and on activity trips. A school bus driver is prohibited from operating a school bus while using a cellular telephone, except; (1) during an emergency situation, (2) to call for assistance if there is a mechanical breakdown or other mechanical problem, (3) where a cellular telephone is owned by the School District and used as a digital two-way radio, and (4) when the school bus is parked.
Bus drivers may be issued hands-free devices to be used for district business should the need arise. If hands-free devices are issued, bus drivers shall be trained annually in their safe use. Written documentation of the training, and bus drivers’ signatures that they completed the training and understand this policy shall be maintained in the district office.
Violations of this policy may subject the driver to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Policy History:
Anticipated First Reading: February 19, 2009
Adopted on: March 12, 2009
Revised on: