References: 

Utah State Office of Education Rule R277-495.  

The use of digital media devices (cell phones, pagers, computers, cameras, audio recorders, PDA’s, radios, CD/DVD players, etc.) have increased in our community and in the schools. While digital media devices are beneficial, their misuse may be disruptive to a positive learning environment and may infringe on the privacy and rights of others.  

EMPLOYEE USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA DEVICES

Digital media devices must be used in an ethical and responsible manner. No employee should be involved in illegal transactions, harassment, obscene or offensive behavior or other violations of district policies or federal, state or local laws on a digital media device.  

Digital media devices should be used in a reasonable and prudent manner. During work hours and/or when conducting school business, employees shall not send or view “text” messages while operating any motor vehicle. 

Any misuse of a digital media device will be addressed by the building level administrator or supervisor as outlined in the corrective action guide. 

STUDENT USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA DEVICES

Students use digital media devices for a variety of reasons. Misuse of a digital media device may be detrimental to the learning environment and is addressed in the Weber School District Student Discipline Policy (Including Safe School Policy). The policy’s purpose is to “foster a safe, positive environment for learning.” Behaviors prohibited by the policy include, but are not limited to:

• Willful disobedience or violating a school or district rule (such as cheating)
• Disruptive behavior
• Defying authority
• Posing a significant threat to the welfare, safety or morals of a student, school personnel or the operation of the school
• Inappropriate exposure of body parts
• Sexual or other harassment

The policy also describes possible consequences and outlines due process procedures.

POSSESSION & USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA DEVICES

Regulations which ban or limit the use of specific digital media devices should be determined at the school level following guidelines as outlined in the Utah State Office of Education Rule R277-495.  

The school is in a position to take input from staff, patrons, and students regarding the benefits and effects of a digital media device and the age and maturity of the students. The school is also in a position to establish guidelines for dealing with digital media devices.

School policies need to be developed at the school level, approved by the Executive Director of Elementary or Secondary Education, and posted for student, parent, and community member access no later than April 1, 2009. 

SEARCHES 

School administrator or designee may search digital media devices based on reasonable suspicion that they contain evidence of a violation of school rules or policy. 

Approved by the Board 02/11/2009