The Board expects all personal relationships between professional staff members and students to be similar to those which society expects between a respected parent and his/her son or daughter.

Sexual contact between staff members and students, including but not limited to kissing on the mouth, genital contact, fondling and/or other pornographic acts, is strictly prohibited, and behavior on the part of the professional staff member which may lead to public perception that any such contact has occurred is also prohibited.

A professional staff member who is found to have violated this policy shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action which may include summary dismissal from employment by the District.

A professional staff member shall not associate with students at any time in a manner which gives the appearance of impropriety, including, but not limited to, the creation or participation in any situation or activity which could be considered abusive or sexually suggestive or involve illegal substances such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

This provision should not be construed as precluding a professional staff member from associating with students in private for legitimate or proper reasons.

If a student comes to a staff member to seek advice or to ask questions regarding a personal problem related to sexual behavior, substance abuse, mental or physical health, and/or family relationships, the staff member may help the student make contact with certified or licensed individuals in the District or community who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the student's problem. Under no circumstances should a staff member attempt, unless properly licensed and authorized to do so, to counsel, assess, diagnose, or treat the student's problem or behavior.

A professional staff member shall not transport students in a private vehicle without the approval of the principal.

Adopted 8/8/94
Revised 11/14/94