During the 2009 legislative session, the Legislature added subsection (4) to section 1011.09, Florida Statutes, which (for the 2009-2010 fiscal year) prohibits the use of public funds for out-of-state travel, cellular phones, cellular phone service, personal digital assistants, or any other mobile wireless communication device or service including text messaging whether through purchasing, leasing, contracting, or any other method, unless specifically approved by the District School Board.

This action item requests specific approval for the use of public funds for these expenditures.  The reason for the request is that these expenditures are necessary to efficiently perform the operations of Sarasota County Public Schools.

Certain School Board employees are required to carry a cell phone or direct connect radio or other communication device to help ensure that necessary communications will take place between staff members in the following situations:

1.  During emergencies;

2.  Where the employee is off-site, out of state, and/or conventional phones are not readily available or are impractical;

3.  When the employee needs to be readily and consistently accessible both on and off duty.

Should an employee elect to use cell phone and/or PDA services for personal use, it is provided as a taxable benefit to the employee and included in their income.