EDLU 5342 Week 5 Part 1

Week 5 Part 1

Rule 247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Section one – Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices and Performances

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

Example – Educator requests career tech department to make bookcase on school time using school equipment and school materials for personal use.

Action taken- Educator has to pay for all the materials that were used in the making of the bookcase. Policy is reviewed by teacher, career tech personnel and administrator. Teacher is reprimanded.

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

Example- Educator goes to conference out of district. Money is designated for specific meals need at conference. Meals are to be time stamped.  Attendee leaves before the end of the conference and returns to district, but meal ticket was turned in from local restaurant for the last meal.

Action Taken- Reimbursement for meal designated for conference is reimbursed to district by educator. Clarification of policy for meal expenditures is reviewed.  Policy explanation with educator is reviewed for clarification and understanding so inappropriate financial expenditures are not repeated.

Standard 1.5 – The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage.  This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.

Example-Curriculum Personnel attend conference, all expenses paid by vendor. This action is used to influence the district’s choice and purchase of specific products.

Action Taken- The action is reviewed by Central Office. Policy is reviewed and procedures are followed for violation of this action.  Educator is given the opportunity to resign.

Section Two –Ethical Conduct

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.

Example – A person is hired a job but does not have the qualifications necessary as a favor to community member.

Action Taken – To meet the standards of HQ policy needs to be reviewed and personnel moved to area of qualification.

Standard 2.5- The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation.

Example – Two candidates are considered for the same job.  Both qualified but age is considered in the application process.

Action Taken – Human Resources intervene in the interviewing process to be sure all procedures are followed and policies carried out

In order to better educate and carry out these standards, my district has several steps in place. When changes are made to the state or local policies central office inform the administrators and in turn the administrators inform the staff. Our district updates the policy book each year and it is on line for all to be able to reference.  Procedures for not following the standards are very clear. Depending on the situations, different levels of correction can be followed.  These levels can go from discussion all the way up through reporting to SBEC for consideration of permanent removal of certification. Criminal charges might result depending on the circumstance.

The competencies below correlate to each of the hypothetical situation presented and provide a guideline for how a superintendent should act in regard to addressing areas of concern.  Financial issues are extremely important to all and the delegation of how public money is spent is a trust that should not be broken.

Competency 1- The superintendent knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner in order to promote the success of all students.

              Model and promote the highest standard of conduct, ethical principles, and integrity in decision making, actions, and behaviors

              Exhibit understanding and implement policies and procedures that promote district personnel compliance with The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

              Monitor and address ethical issues impacting education