The Board of Education retains the right and the responsibility to manage the work force. When the discipline of a staff member becomes necessary such action shall be consistent with the requirements of any applicable Board policy, and State and Federal law. The District Administrator or designee may issue discipline, short of termination, when she/he deems appropriate, however, student performance on examinations may not form the basis for staff discipline.

The District may be required to investigate potential wrongdoings on the part of its employees. Such investigations may require that the employee answer questions relating to the activity. Employees may be required to answer such questions. Failure to cooperate in an investigation may result in discipline, up to and including termination of the employee. In cases where this possible wrongdoing may involve criminal activity, the District shall inform the employee that answers to questions relating to the employee's conduct may be used by the District for determining appropriate discipline, but will not be provided to law enforcement officials in the course of their independent criminal investigation, unless otherwise required by law. Employees must also be informed that refusal to answer questions may be considered in determining discipline.

Staff may be disciplined for violations of Board policy or for other failure to meet the expectations and obligations of their position. Discipline may only be issued when just cause exists to issue discipline. Just cause as used in this policy shall mean that the District has concluded through a preponderance of evidence that a violation has occurred and the level of discipline is appropriate under the circumstances, considering the employee’s disciplinary record.

Franklin v. City of Evanston, 384 F.3d 838 (7th Cir. 2004)
Garrity v. New Jersey, 385 U.S. 493 (1967)

Revised 9/17/07
Revised 7/11/11