Code of Ethics for School Leaders

Examples of Ethics Violations:

Standard 1.2 relates to the misappropriations, diversions or use of monies for personal gain or advantage. In Montgomery, Alabama a school district’s chief financial officer was found guilty of two felony counts of using her position for unlawful gain of money.  A district audit reviewed the district’s funds and discovered the misappropriations of funds. The chief financial officer was sentenced to ten years for each count had to pay $102,170 in restitution to the school district.

Standard 1.5 relates to accepting gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. A former associate superintendent with the El Paso, TX school district pleaded guilty to bribery charges. The former associate superintendent admitted to accepting money and property for handing out vendor contracts.

Standard 1.6 relates to falsification of records, or directing or coercing others to do so. A principal at Youth Middle School in Georgia falsified student enrollment numbers in elective classes in order to meet the funding size. Students were recorded as taking classes such as music or physical education as the students were serving as office aides. The principal was suspended for six weeks.

Standard 2.3 relates to adhering to written local school board policies and all state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel. In Texarkana, Arkansas a former teacher was fired allegedly giving special needs student’s answers to a state mandated test. It was proven that other teachers gave out answers as well, but were not fired for the infraction. The lawsuit sided with the former employee based upon the verdict that she was fired on a “flimsy basis.”

Standard 2.5 relates to discriminating against or coercing a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, family status, or sexual orientation. In San Diego, California, a teacher claims she was denied promotions due to her sexual orientation. She sued the school district, and was awarded $ 140,000 for damages.

Short and Long-Range Consequences

            In the case of the school districts chief financial officer being found guilty of unlawful gain of money, a short range consequence for the district would be the lack of trust the community would have with the school district. The school district would need to prove to the community that it is taking its stance in protecting the taxpayer’s funds and duly auditing the funds on a regular basis. Once the public broadcast of the ethical violation has diminished, for the long-range time, the school district will need to be consistent in their approaches to school finance and the continuous monitoring of the district funds.

            In the issue of the falsification of records, I was interested in seeing the final outcome of the investigation. The principal was placed on administrative suspension for six weeks, all of which fell during the summer months. In the eyes of the community, this would be a detrimental issue concerning honesty and trust of the administration. This short-term “punishment” the principal received, was not appreciated by the community since the principal committed fraud among the school finance system. For the long-term approach, the school district should remove the principal from the position and offer training to the administrative staff regarding funding projections.

            In the issues regarding sexual orientation, the district would need to have updated policies in place regarding Title IX for the short term, and for the long-term offer training to understand the policies. Also, in the event of the case in San Diego, the school district could use training on the association with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Actions to Prevent Ethical Violations

            I believe the school district handled the situation appropriately in the case of the chief financial officer. The school district was given the misappropriations information from the auditor, and action was taken immediately. The Superintendent acted in a manner that utilized applicable laws, policies, and procedures in a fair and reasonable manner relating the taxpayer’s investment in the school district and to protect the district’s funds.

            For the case regarding the principal that received a suspension for six weeks, I personally feel that was “swept under the rug.” However, in the state of Georgia, the laws and policies regarding falsification of records may be different. The issue that I see regarding this infraction is a moral issue. As an employee of the school district, the administrator must model and promote the highest standard of conduct, ethical principles, and integrity in decision making, actions, and behaviors.

            In reference to the issues regarding sexual orientation, it is important for an administrator to interact with district staff, students, school board, and community in a professional and ethical manner and not hinder an employee from gaining the promotions they rightfully deserve.