clinton community school district 2015-2016 school personnel “legal & ethical issues...

Clinton Community School District2015-2016

SCHOOL PERSONNEL“Legal & Ethical Issues Awareness”

It is essential that school personnel recognize their

unique and influential role in society by honoring the

standards established for their profession in the care and

instruction of children.

“In Loci Parentis”

Legal and/or Ethical Issues:

Staff may be committed professionals…. Staff may be excellent people…….

...but an act or decision involving poor judgment can have profound consequences – both professionally and personally.

Referenced Information: • Board of Educational Examiners, 2005, 2014, 2015• Iowa Dept. of Education, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2015• School Administrators of Iowa, 2012, 2014, 2015• Iowa Law, 2014, 2015

Issue: Child AbuseDo not physically, emotionally, or sexually abuse any child.

Be Vigilant. If you observe something and it doesn’t seem right, Report it to your supervisor IMMEDIATELY.

Issue: Improper Student Relationships• Do not engage in a romantic

relationship with any student – it is a CRIME to do so, and this is true even if the student is an adult, and even if the student is in a different school than the school employee.

• Do not engage in a relationship with a student that could be misconstrued to be inappropriate in any way.

• If you observe something and it doesn’t seem right, Report it to your supervisor IMMEDIATELY.

Issue: Bullying/HarassmentNEVER permit HARASSMENT, BULLYING, or HAZING

and do NOT fail to report the same!

Issue: Cyber-bullying

Issue: Cell Phones

School Employees shall NOT have DIRECT CONTACT with students either by phone, tweet, or text without a 3rd party involvement (i.e. parent/guardian, principal, supervisor, and/or athletic director).

Justin Remington

Board Policy 401.17R

Board Policy 401.17R

• No cell phone use during professional development, instructional time, or during supervision time. Teachers may use cell phones at school, before and after school, during prep periods and lunch. (You are a role model to students) Classified employees may use phones during break times and during lunch (You are a role model to students).

• Do not use a school cell phone while driving.

Issue: Cell Phones

Issue: Meeting Alone with a Student

Do not meet alone with a student during odd hours. Ensure that anyone can see you from outside the classroom(do not be obstructed from view) - particularly if no one else is present in the area.

Issue: FERPA• Do not discuss students by

name with anyone who does not have a legitimate need to know the information. This includes your co-workers.

• Verify with the main office

the need to know.

Issue: Non-prescription drugs

Do not Possess, Consume, or Work under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription controlled substances (this includes food

items) during employment time.

Issue: Gift Law Do not violate the gift law by accepting a gift of

more than $3.00 in value from someone or some group wanting favorable treatment from you or wanting to do business with the district.

Issue: Student Fund Accounts

Do NOT treat school or student funds as your own. You will be held accountable for proper handling of school money and resources.

Issue: Driving Students Home

NEVER drive students home in your personal vehicle, unless you have permission from a district administrator.

Issue: Employee Keys Secure your building keys at all times. Bring them

into your home every night and do not leave them out during the day. Do not allow students/family members to use your keys for any reason.

Issue: Internet Use• Do not misuse district

property (this includes computers and e-mail).

• Do NOT send inappropriate emails to colleagues.

• The use of school computers to sell and/or purchase personal items is prohibited.

• Do not abuse Copyright Law.

• Accessing and/or printing pornography is strictly prohibited.

Issue: Social Networks•Be cognizant of the material that you are posting on your personal social network site. (public domain)

•Be cognizant of your social on-line persona. Do not “friend” students on media sites.

•Do NOT post any information regarding school or students on your personal site.

Issue: Social Networks-Continued-Be cognizant that you are tied and connected (good and bad) to those individuals that you “friend” on @FACEBOOK…and you always will be.

-Understand that social networks are PUBLIC.

Issue: Medication/Money

Secure your medication at all times. It is your responsibility to keep your personal items in a secure place. If you can not secure it, make arrangements with your direct supervisor or principal to find a place for you to safely store it while at work. The other options would be to lock it in your trunk or leave it at home.

Issue: FERPA, Fraud• Do NOT use the full names or significant identifiers (use initials) of

students in emails or other written communication for assurance of confidentiality. (subpoena, district equipment)

• Academic Fraud; school records tampering is UNETHICAL and ILLEGAL – i.e. letters of recommendations, illegal test prepping for state assessments using previous versions of tests, etc…(if YOU are in doubt, ASK)

• Converting public property or funds to the personal use of the school employee is prohibited (keeping a laptop at home for personal use, taking home supplies/equipment for personal use).

Reminders: • Attendance Expectations• Dress for the Workplace• Keeping your LICENSE/trainings UP-to-DATE

PLEASE REMEMBER:• It is our responsibility to maintain PROFESSIONALISM at all times.

• PEOPLE NOTICE.

When in DOUBT, Seek out an Administrator/Supervisor

NO SURPRISES,- Full Disclosure -