| Brevard County (Florida) |
| Bylaws & Policies |
4210 - CODE OF ETHICS
Members of the Board, administrators, teachers, and all other employees of the District, regardless of their position, collective bargaining status or role, because of their dual roles as public servants and educators are bound by the same ethics policy. The District's policy is designed to create a culture of honesty and integrity that will help the District meet the goal of providing a safe environment and high quality education to all of the Districts' students.
The
State of Florida Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida imposes requirements on all educators in the State. The District extends these requirements to all employees.| A. | The employee values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all. | |
| B. | The employee's primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student's potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity. | |
| C. | Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one's colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the employee strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct. |
The purpose of this policy is to promote the highest level of ethical conduct on the part of all persons associated with the District to ensure the highest public confidence in the impartiality and independent judgment of all employees; and, to provide guidance for District personnel concerning ethics-related matters. It is the responsibility of all individuals associated with the District to act in a manner that will ensure the public's trust as well as the trust of colleagues and peers. Adherence to the provisions of a comprehensive ethics policy will model the highest standards of integrity and the character traits the District seeks to instill in our students.
To the extent there is no conflict with any laws, rules, or governmental regulations, this ethics policy shall control with regard to conduct for all employees.
Employees shall not engage in or have a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any activity that conflicts, or raises a reasonable question of conflict, with their duties and responsibilities to the District. Administrators and certain other procurement personnel are required to file an Annual Financial Disclosure Statement with the State of Florida Commission on Ethics.
Employees shall not corruptly use, or attempt to use, their official position or any property or resources of the District or perform their duties in such a manner to secure a special privilege, benefit, or exemption for themselves or others.
Employees shall not disclose or use information not available to members of the general public and gained by reason of their official position with the District for their own personal gain or benefit or for the personal gain or benefit of any other person or business entity.
Employees shall not represent another person or entity for monetary compensation or consideration of any other type before the Board for a period of two (2) years following the end of their employment with the District, unless they are employed by another agency of State government.
Employees shall neither solicit nor accept anything of value, including a gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service, based upon any understanding that the vote, official action, or judgment of the employees would be influenced thereby.
Employees may accept gifts of nominal value in circumstances not related to employment, service, or an act to influence judgment. Examples would be a personal gift for a birthday or holiday celebration or students presenting gifts to administrators during the holiday season.
Employees shall employ independent objective judgment in performing their duties, deciding all matters on their merits, free of partiality or prejudice and unimpeded by conflicts of interest or other improper influences.
Employees shall not engage in or have a financial interest, directly or indirectly, in any activity that conflicts, or raises a reasonable question of conflict, with their duties and responsibilities in the school system.
Employees shall not engage in any business, private practice of their profession, the rendering of services, or the sale of goods of any type where advantage is taken of any professional relationship they may have with any other employee; any student or client; or the parents of any students or clients in the course of their employment with the District.
Employees shall not hold outside employment which conflicts with their regularly assigned duties.
The Superintendent shall appoint members to an ethics panel and designate a District-wide Director of Ethics.
The Superintendent will direct that ethics and compliance training as well as other programs designed to promote the District's commitment to integrity and values as set forth in the District's organizational values and this policy be designed and implemented.
F.S. 112.313
F.A.C. 6B-1.001,
Revised 4/12/05