Code of Ethics for School Leaders

Code of Ethics for School Leaders

Unfortunately we see the Educator code of Conduct being violated all too often in today’s society.  When this behavior does happen the media is definitely going to publicize the unethical conduct,  making the employees in public education look as bad as possible.  Here are some examples of unethical behavior by educators, what the consequences to that educator may be, and how to prevent the incident from happening.

Chapter 247

Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.

                This unethical conduct is seen when a person with authority sends an employee to their personal residence to do work on company time.  The employee uses school equipment and or money to improve their residence.  For example, landscaping. 

                When this conduct is found out the person in authority will either have to resign or pay the school back.  Conduct of this kind can be avoided by employees saying no to this behavior and being educated on how to handle this behavior and auditing the whereabouts of employees and school purchases.  The superintendent knows how to exhibit understanding and implement policies and procedures that promote district personnel compliance with The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay.

                Many times on school trips educators must turn in receipts for their expenses.  In order to get paid more reimbursement, the educator may turn in an earlier leave time and later return time to get paid more money.

                In many of these cases this practice is not ever proven.  Schools may audit this type of activity  by making employees take school vehicles.  Time sheets would allow for a good checks and balances.  Many times employees are caught they must pay the money back.  Also, the ability to take trips may be revoked.  The superintendent knows how to model and promote the highest standard of conduct, ethical principles, and integrity in decision making, actions, and behaviors.

Standard 1.12. The educator shall refrain from the illegal use or distribution of controlled substances and/or abuse of prescription drugs and toxic inhalants.   

                Unfortunately, an employee was seen and caught smoking marijuana while driving a school bus back to the bus barn.  Thankfully, no students were present.  This employee was immediately cited for being under the influence and arrested.

                This employee was charged with a felony and was terminated.  Terminating the employee is an absolute when the employee is charge with a felony.  The district may need to put the employee on leave during the investigation but termination is a must when the employee is charged.  I am  not sure how you can prevent behavior like this other than make sure your employees have good references and back ground checks.  The superintendent knows how to apply laws, policies, and procedures in a fair and reasonable manner.

Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.

                As an administrator, personnel decisions should be considered confidential.  When you terminate an employee in the best interest of the district it should be kept as confidential information.  The administrator should not discuss those types of decision with other employees.

                  As a professional you should not speak negatively about another employee.  Integrity for the position and power of the position should be a natural part of your character.  Usually, I find administrators are usually great at keep matters of this nature confidential or they are not.  When an administrator breaks the ethical standard they are usually privately reprimanded.  The superintendent knows how to interact with district staff, students, school board, and community in a professional and ethical manner.

Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political, professional, or citizenship rights and responsibilities.

                Many times employees get involved in local political races.  Their right to exercise their belief and support in a candidate should be kept separate and away from school.  Employees have the right to join in our democratic society.  However, their beliefs and opinions should be kept out of the classroom.  The employee must represent all sides if it is discussed in the classroom. The employee may express their opinion when specifically asked but that exercise would be warned and or cautioned against. 

Employees are usually called into the administrator’s office and given a refresher on political outspokenness.  If the behavior continues more formal reprimands may be given.  Most times professional development is given to combat this type of behavior.  The superintendent knows how to serve as an advocate for all children.