utah employee ethics - granite school district · any changes to statute by referring directly to...

UtahEmployeeEthics

and

EducatorStandards

Printedby

GraniteSchoolDistrict

September2013

HighlightedStateLaw

Graniteemployeesareexpectedtobeawareofandcomplywiththecontentsofthisbookletasapplicable,specifically:

The"UtahPublicOfficers'andEmployees'EthicsAct"[UtahCode,Title67,Chapter16].

The“UtahEducatorStandards”[UtahStateBoardofEducationRule277‐515].

InadditiontoUtahCodeandUtahStateBoardofEducationRules,GraniteemployeesareexpectedtobeawareofandcomplywiththeFiscalPolicyManualaswellasallotherDistrictPoliciesandProcedures.

AdditionalStateLawandBoardRules

TheDistrictanditsemployeesarealsoexpectedtocomplywiththefollowingstatelawsandBoardRules:

(1) UtahConstitutionArticleX,Section3;(2) UtahCode63G‐6a,UtahProcurementCode;(3) UtahCode51‐4,DepositofFundsDueState;(4) 20U.S.C.Section1232g,FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct;(5) UtahCode63G‐2,GovernmentRecordsAccessandManagementAct;(6) UtahCodeSection53A‐12,FeesandTextbooks;(7) UtahCodeSection53A‐4‐205,PublicEducationFoundations;(8) R277‐407,SchoolFees;(9) R277‐107,EducationalServicesOutsideofEducator'sRegularEmployment.

Table of Contents i

Table of Contents

TheUtahPublicOfficers’andEmployees’EthicsAct.................................................................1

67‐16‐1.Shorttitle.........................................................................................................................................1

67‐16‐2.Purposeofchapter.......................................................................................................................1

67‐16‐3.Definitions.......................................................................................................................................1

67‐16‐4(Effective05/01/13).Improperlydisclosingorusingprivate,controlled,orprotectedinformation‐‐Usingpositiontosecureprivilegesorexemptions‐‐Acceptingemploymentwhichwouldimpairindependenceofjudgmentorethicalperformance‐‐Exception..............................................................................................................................3

67‐16‐5(Effective05/01/13).Acceptinggift,compensation,orloan‐‐Whenprohibited.............................................................................................................................................................4

67‐16‐5.3(Effective05/01/13).Requiringdonation,payment,orservicetogovernmentagencyinexchangeforapproval‐‐Whenprohibited.............................................5

67‐16‐5.6.Offeringdonation,payment,orservicetogovernmentagencyinexchangeforapproval‐‐Whenprohibited............................................................................................6

67‐16‐6(Effective05/01/13).Receivingcompensationforassistanceintransactioninvolvinganagency‐‐Filingswornstatement............................................................7

67‐16‐7.Disclosureofsubstantialinterestinregulatedbusiness............................................8

67‐16‐8.Participationintransactioninvolvingbusinessastowhichpublicofficeroremployeehasinterest‐‐Exceptions...................................................................................................9

67‐16‐9.Conflictofinterestsprohibited..............................................................................................9

67‐16‐10.Inducingotherstoviolatechapter.....................................................................................9

67‐16‐11.Applicabilityofprovisions.....................................................................................................9

67‐16‐12.Penaltiesforviolation‐‐Removalfromofficeordismissalfromemployment.......................................................................................................................................................10

ThereisnoChapter13..................................................................................................................................11

67‐16‐14.Unethicaltransactions‐‐Dutytodismissofficeroremployee‐‐Righttorescindorvoidcontract...............................................................................................................................11

67‐16‐15.Complaint‐‐PoliticalSubdivisionsEthicsReviewCommission.........................11

Table of Contents ii

TheUtahEducatorStandards.........................................................................................................13

R277‐515‐1.Definitions..............................................................................................................................13

R277‐515‐2.AuthorityandPurpose.....................................................................................................15

R277‐515‐3.EducatorasaRoleModelofCivicandSocietalResponsibility.......................15

R277‐515‐4.EducatorResponsibilityforMaintainingaSafeLearningEnvironmentandEducationalStandards.........................................................................................................................19

R277‐515‐5.ProfessionalEducatorResponsibilityforCompliancewithSchoolDistrictPolicies................................................................................................................................................20

R277‐515‐6.ProfessionalEducatorConduct....................................................................................21

R277‐515‐7.ViolationsofProfessionalEthics..................................................................................22

The Utah Public Officers’ and Employees’ Ethics Act 1

TheUtahPublicOfficers’andEmployees’EthicsAct

AppliestoallGraniteemployees.

TheinformationprovidedhereinontheUtahPublicOfficers’andEmployees’EthicsActisprovidedonlyforconvenience.EmployeesareencouragedtostayapprisedofanychangestostatutebyreferringdirectlytotheUtahCode,Title67,Chapter16.

67‐16‐1.Shorttitle.

Thischapterisknownasthe"UtahPublicOfficers'andEmployees'EthicsAct."

AmendedbyChapter147,1989GeneralSession

67‐16‐2.Purposeofchapter.

ThepurposeofthischapteristosetforthstandardsofconductforofficersandemployeesofthestateofUtahanditspoliticalsubdivisionsinareaswherethereareactualorpotentialconflictsofinterestbetweentheirpublicdutiesandtheirprivateinterests.InthismannertheLegislatureintendstopromotethepublicinterestandstrengthenthefaithandconfidenceofthepeopleofUtahintheintegrityoftheirgovernment.Itdoesnotintendtodenyanypublicofficeroremployeetheopportunitiesavailabletoallothercitizensofthestatetoacquireprivateeconomicorotherinterestssolongasthisdoesnotinterferewithhisfullandfaithfuldischargeofhispublicduties.


67‐16‐3.Definitions.

Asusedinthischapter:


(1)"Agency"meansanydepartment,division,agency,commission,board,council,committee,authority,oranyotherinstitutionofthestateoranyofitspoliticalsubdivisions.

(2)"Agencyhead"meansthechiefexecutiveoradministrativeofficerofanyagency.

(3)"Assist"meanstoact,orofferoragreetoact,insuchawayastohelp,represent,aid,advise,furnishinformationto,orotherwiseprovideassistancetoapersonorbusinessentity,believingthatsuchactionisofhelp,aid,advice,orassistancetosuchpersonorbusinessentityandwiththeintenttoassistsuchpersonorbusinessentity.

(4)"Businessentity"meansasoleproprietorship,partnership,association,jointventure,corporation,firm,trust,foundation,orotherorganizationorentityusedincarryingonabusiness.

(5)"Compensation"meansanythingofeconomicvalue,howeverdesignated,whichispaid,loaned,granted,given,donated,ortransferredtoanypersonorbusinessentitybyanyoneotherthanthegovernmentalemployerfororinconsiderationofpersonalservices,materials,property,oranyotherthingwhatsoever.

(6)"Controlled,private,orprotectedinformation"meansinformationclassifiedascontrolled,private,orprotectedinTitle63G,Chapter2,GovernmentRecordsAccessandManagementAct,orotherapplicableprovisionoflaw.

(7)"Governmentalaction"meansanyactiononthepartofthestate,apoliticalsubdivision,oranagency,including:

(a)anydecision,determination,finding,ruling,ororder;and

(b)anygrant,payment,award,license,contract,subcontract,transaction,decision,sanction,orapproval,orthedenialthereof,orthefailuretoactinrespectto.

(8)"Improperdisclosure"meansdisclosureofcontrolled,private,orprotectedinformationtoanypersonwhodoesnothavetherighttoreceivetheinformation.

(9)"Legislativeemployee"meansanyofficeroremployeeoftheLegislature,oranycommitteeoftheLegislature,whoisappointedoremployedtoserve,eitherwithorwithoutcompensation,foranaggregateoflessthan800hoursduringanyperiodof365days."Legislativeemployee"doesnotincludelegislators.

(10)"Legislator"meansamemberormember‐electofeitherhouseoftheLegislatureofthestateofUtah.


(11)"Politicalsubdivision"meansadistrict,schooldistrict,oranyotherpoliticalsubdivisionofthestatethatisnotanagency,butdoesnotincludeamunicipalityoracounty.

(12)"Publicemployee"meansapersonwhoisnotapublicofficerwhoisemployedonafull‐time,part‐time,orcontractbasisbythestateoranyofitspoliticalsubdivisions."Publicemployee"doesnotincludelegislatorsorlegislativeemployees.

(13)"Publicofficer"meansallelectedorappointedofficersofthestateoranyofitspoliticalsubdivisionswhooccupypolicymakingposts."Publicofficer"doesnotincludelegislatorsorlegislativeemployees.

(14)"State"meansthestateofUtah.

(15)"Substantialinterest"meanstheownership,eitherlegallyorequitably,byanindividual,theindividual'sspouse,ortheindividual'sminorchildren,ofatleast10%oftheoutstandingcapitalstockofacorporationora10%interestinanyotherbusinessentity.


67‐16‐4(Effective05/01/13).Improperlydisclosingorusingprivate,controlled,orprotectedinformation‐‐Usingpositiontosecureprivilegesorexemptions‐‐Acceptingemploymentwhichwouldimpairindependenceofjudgmentorethicalperformance‐‐Exception.

(1)Itisanoffenseforapublicofficer,publicemployee,orlegislator,undercircumstancesnotamountingtoaviolationofSection63G‐6a‐2304.5(ProcurementCode)or76‐8‐105(Anti‐briberyCode),to:

(a)acceptemploymentorengageinanybusinessorprofessionalactivitythathemightreasonablyexpectwouldrequireorinducehimtoimproperlydisclosecontrolledinformationthathehasgainedbyreasonofhisofficialposition;

(b)discloseorimproperlyusecontrolled,private,orprotectedinformationacquiredbyreasonofhisofficialpositionorinthecourseofofficialdutiesinordertofurthersubstantiallytheofficer'soremployee'spersonaleconomicinterestortosecurespecialprivilegesorexemptionsforhimselforothers;

(c)useorattempttousehisofficialpositionto:


(i)furthersubstantiallytheofficer'soremployee'spersonaleconomicinterest;or

(ii)securespecialprivilegesorexemptionsforhimselforothers;

(d)acceptotheremploymentthathemightexpectwouldimpairhisindependenceofjudgmentintheperformanceofhispublicduties;or

(e)acceptotheremploymentthathemightexpectwouldinterferewiththeethicalperformanceofhispublicduties.

(2)(a)Subsection(1)doesnotapplytotheprovisionofeducation‐relatedservicestopublicschoolstudentsbypubliceducationemployeesactingoutsidetheirregularemployment.

(b)TheconductreferredtoinSubsection(2)(a)issubjecttoSection53A‐1‐402.5.



67‐16‐5(Effective05/01/13).Acceptinggift,compensation,orloan‐‐Whenprohibited.

(1)Asusedinthissection,"economicbenefittantamounttoagift"includes:

(a)aloanataninterestratethatissubstantiallylowerthanthecommercialratethencurrentlyprevalentforsimilarloans;and

(b)compensationreceivedforprivateservicesrenderedataratesubstantiallyexceedingthefairmarketvalueoftheservices.

(2)Itisanoffenseforapublicofficerorpublicemployee,undercircumstancesnotamountingtoaviolationofSection63G‐6a‐2304or76‐8‐105,toknowinglyreceive,accept,take,seek,orsolicit,directlyorindirectlyforhimselforanotheragiftofsubstantialvalueorasubstantialeconomicbenefittantamounttoagift:

(a)thatwouldtendimproperlytoinfluenceareasonablepersonintheperson'spositiontodepartfromthefaithfulandimpartialdischargeoftheperson'spublicduties;

(b)thatthepublicofficerorpublicemployeeknowsorthatareasonablepersoninthatpositionshouldknowunderthecircumstancesisprimarilyforthepurposeofrewardingthepublicofficerorpublicemployeeforofficialactiontaken;or


(c)ifthepublicofficerorpublicemployeerecentlyhasbeen,isnow,orinthenearfuturemaybeinvolvedinanygovernmentalactiondirectlyaffectingthedonororlender,unlessadisclosureofthegift,compensation,orloanandotherrelevantinformationhasbeenmadeinthemannerprovidedinSection67‐16‐6.

(3)Subsection(2)doesnotapplyto:

(a)anoccasionalnonpecuniarygift,havingavalueofnotinexcessof$50;

(b)anawardpubliclypresentedinrecognitionofpublicservices;

(c)anybonafideloanmadeintheordinarycourseofbusiness;or

(d)apoliticalcampaigncontribution.


67‐16‐5.3(Effective05/01/13).Requiringdonation,payment,orservicetogovernmentagencyinexchangeforapproval‐‐Whenprohibited.

(1)Itisanoffenseforapublicofficer,publicemployee,orlegislator,undercircumstancesnotamountingtoaviolationofSection63G‐6a‐2304or76‐8‐105,todemandfromanypersonasaconditionofgrantinganyapplicationorrequestforapermit,approval,orotherauthorization,thatthepersondonatepersonalproperty,money,orservicestoanyagency.

(2)(a)Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoanydonationofproperty,funds,orservicestoanagencythatis:

(i)expresslyrequiredbystatute,ordinance,oragencyrule;

(ii)mutuallyagreedtobetweentheapplicantandtheentityissuingthepermit,approval,orotherauthorization;

(iii)madevoluntarilybytheapplicant;or

(iv)aconditionofaconsentdecree,settlementagreement,orotherbindinginstrumententeredintotoresolve,inwholeorinpart,anactualorthreatenedagencyenforcementaction.


(b)Ifapersondonatesproperty,funds,orservicestoanagency,theagencyshall,aspartofthepermitorotherwrittenauthorization:

(i)identifythatadonationhasbeenmade;

(ii)describethedonation;

(iii)certify,inwriting,thatthedonationwasvoluntary;and

(iv)placethatinformationinitsfiles.


67‐16‐5.6.Offeringdonation,payment,orservicetogovernmentagencyinexchangeforapproval‐‐Whenprohibited.

(1)Itisanoffenseforanyperson,undercircumstancesnotamountingtoaviolationofSection76‐8‐103,todonateoroffertodonatepersonalproperty,money,orservicestoanyagencyontheconditionthattheagencyoranyotheragencyapproveanyapplicationorrequestforapermit,approval,orotherauthorization.

(2)(a)Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoanydonationofproperty,funds,orservicestoanagencythatis:

(i)otherwiseexpresslyrequiredbystatute,ordinance,oragencyrule;

(ii)mutuallyagreedtobetweentheapplicantandtheentityissuingthepermit,approval,orotherauthorization;

(iii)aconditionofaconsentdecree,settlementagreement,orotherbindinginstrumententeredintotoresolve,inwholeorinpart,anactualorthreatenedagencyenforcementaction;or

(iv)madewithoutcondition.

(b)Thepersonmakingthedonationofproperty,funds,orservicesshallincludewiththedonationasignedwrittenstatementcertifyingthatthedonationismadewithoutcondition.

(c)Theagencyreceivingthedonationshallplacethesignedwrittenstatementinitsfiles.


EnactedbyChapter108,2000GeneralSession

67‐16‐6(Effective05/01/13).Receivingcompensationforassistanceintransactioninvolvinganagency‐‐Filingswornstatement.

(1)Itisanoffenseforapublicofficerorpublicemployee,undercircumstancesnotamountingtoaviolationofSection63G‐6a‐2304or76‐8‐105,toreceiveoragreetoreceivecompensationforassistinganypersonorbusinessentityinanytransactioninvolvinganagencyunlessthepublicofficerorpublicemployeefilesasworn,writtenstatementcontainingtheinformationrequiredbySubsection(2)with:

(a)theheadoftheofficeroremployee'sownagency;

(b)theagencyheadoftheagencywithwhichthetransactionisbeingconducted;and

(c)thestateattorneygeneral.

(2)Thestatementshallcontain:

(a)thenameandaddressofthepublicofficerorpublicemployeeinvolved;

(b)thenameofthepublicofficer'sorpublicemployee'sagency;

(c)thenameandaddressofthepersonorbusinessentitybeingortobeassisted;and

(d)abriefdescriptionof:

(i)thetransactionastowhichserviceisrenderedoristoberendered;and

(ii)thenatureoftheserviceperformedortobeperformed.

(3)ThestatementrequiredtobefiledunderSubsection(1)shallbefiledwithin10daysafterthedateofanyagreementbetweenthepublicofficerorpublicemployeeandthepersonorbusinessentitybeingassistedorthereceiptofcompensation,whicheverisearlier.

(4)Thestatementispublicinformationandshallbeavailableforexaminationbythepublic.



67‐16‐7.Disclosureofsubstantialinterestinregulatedbusiness.

(1)Everypublicofficerorpublicemployeewhoisanofficer,director,agent,employee,ortheownerofasubstantialinterestinanybusinessentitywhichissubjecttotheregulationoftheagencybywhichtheofficeroremployeeisemployed,shalldiscloseanysuchpositionheldandtheprecisenatureandvalueofthepublicofficer'sorpublicemployee'sinterestuponfirstbecomingapublicofficerorpublicemployee,andagainwheneverthepublicofficer'sorpublicemployee'spositioninthebusinessentitychangessignificantlyorifthevalueofhisinterestintheentityissignificantlyincreased.

(2)ThedisclosurerequiredunderSubsection(1)shallbemadeinaswornstatementfiledwith:

(a)thestateattorneygeneralinthecaseofpublicofficersandpublicemployeesofthestate;

(b)thechiefgoverningbodyofthepoliticalsubdivisioninthecaseofpublicofficersandpublicemployeesofapoliticalsubdivision;

(c)theheadoftheagencywithwhichthepublicofficerorpublicemployeeisaffiliated;and

(d)inthecaseofapublicemployee,withtheimmediatesupervisorofthepublicemployee.

(3)Thissectiondoesnotapplytoinstanceswherethetotalvalueoftheinterestdoesnotexceed$2,000.Lifeinsurancepoliciesandannuitiesshallnotbeconsideredindeterminingthevalueofanysuchinterest.

(4)Disclosuresmadeunderthissectionarepublicinformationandshallbeavailableforexaminationbythepublic.



67‐16‐8.Participationintransactioninvolvingbusinessastowhichpublicofficeroremployeehasinterest‐‐Exceptions.

(1)Nopublicofficerorpublicemployeeshallparticipateinhisofficialcapacityorreceivecompensationinrespecttoanytransactionbetweenthestateoranyofitsagenciesandanybusinessentityastowhichsuchpublicofficerorpublicemployeeisalsoanofficer,director,oremployeeorownsasubstantialinterest,unlessdisclosurehasbeenmadeasprovidedunderSection67‐16‐7.

(2)Aconcessioncontractbetweenanagency,politicalsubdivision,orthestateandacertifiedprofessionalgolfassociationmemberwhoisapublicemployeeorofficerdoesnotviolatetheprovisionsofSubsection(1)orTitle10,Chapter3,Part13.


67‐16‐9.Conflictofinterestsprohibited.

Nopublicofficerorpublicemployeeshallhavepersonalinvestmentsinanybusinessentitywhichwillcreateasubstantialconflictbetweenhisprivateinterestsandhispublicduties.


67‐16‐10.Inducingotherstoviolatechapter.

Nopersonshallinduceorseektoinduceanypublicofficerorpublicemployeetoviolateanyoftheprovisionsofthischapter.


67‐16‐11.Applicabilityofprovisions.

Theprovisionsofthischapterapplytoallpublicofficersandpublicemployees.



67‐16‐12.Penaltiesforviolation‐‐Removalfromofficeordismissalfromemployment.

Inadditiontoanypenaltycontainedinanyotherprovisionoflaw:

(1)anypublicofficerorpublicemployeewhoknowinglyandintentionallyviolatesthischapter,withtheexceptionofSections67‐16‐6and67‐16‐7,shallbedismissedfromemploymentorremovedfromofficeasprovidedbylaw,rule,orpolicywithintheagency;and

(2)anypublicofficer,publicemployee,orpersonwhoknowinglyandintentionallyviolatesthischapter,withtheexceptionofSections67‐16‐6and67‐16‐7,shallbepunishedasfollows:

(a)asafelonyoftheseconddegreeifthetotalvalueofthecompensation,conflictofinterest,orassistanceexceeds$1,000;

(b)asafelonyofthethirddegreeif:

(i)thetotalvalueofthecompensation,conflictofinterest,orassistanceismorethan$250butnotmorethan$1,000;or

(ii)thepublicofficerorpublicemployeehasbeentwicebeforeconvictedofviolationofthischapterandthevalueoftheconflictofinterest,compensation,orassistancewas$250orless;

(c)asaclassAmisdemeanorifthevalueofthecompensationorassistancewasmorethan$100butdoesnotexceed$250;or

(d)asaclassBmisdemeanorifthevalueofthecompensationorassistancewas$100orless.



ThereisnoChapter13.

67‐16‐14.Unethicaltransactions‐‐Dutytodismissofficeroremployee‐‐Righttorescindorvoidcontract.

IfanytransactionisenteredintoinviolationofSection67‐16‐6,67‐16‐7,or67‐16‐8,thestate,politicalsubdivision,oragencyinvolved:

(1)shalldismissthepublicofficerorpublicemployeewhoknowinglyandintentionallyviolatesthischapterfromemploymentorofficeasprovidedbylaw;and

(2)mayrescindorvoidanycontractorsubcontractenteredintoinrespecttosuchtransactionwithoutreturninganypartoftheconsiderationthatthestate,politicalsubdivision,oragencyhasreceived.


67‐16‐15.Complaint‐‐PoliticalSubdivisionsEthicsReviewCommission.

ApersonmayfileacomplaintforanallegedviolationofthischapterbyapoliticalsubdivisionofficeroremployeeinaccordancewithTitle11,Chapter49,PoliticalSubdivisionsEthicsReviewCommission.



Thispageintentionallyleftblank.

The Utah Educator Standards 13

TheUtahEducatorStandards

AppliestoallGraniteeducators.

TheinformationprovidedhereinontheUtahEducatorStandardsisprovidedonlyforconvenience.EducatorsareencouragedtostayapprisedofanychangestothestandardsbyreferringdirectlytoUtahStateBoardofEducationRule277‐515.

R277‐515‐1.Definitions.

A."Board"meanstheUtahStateBoardofEducation.

B."Diversionagreement"meansanagreementbetweenaprosecutoranddefendantenteredintopriortoaconvictiondelayingprosecutionofacriminalchargeforaspecifiedperiodoftimeandcontingentuponthedefendantsatisfyingcertainconditions.

C."Educatororprofessionaleducator"meansapersonwhocurrentlyholdsalicense,heldalicenseatthetimeofanallegedoffense,isanapplicantforalicense,orisapersonintrainingtoobtainalicense.The"professional"denotesthattheindividualholdsorisseekingaUtaheducatorlicenseasopposedtoaparaprofessionaloravolunteerorunlicensedteacherinaclassroom

D."Felonyoffense"meansanyoffenseforwhichanindividualischargedwithafirst,secondorthirddegreefelonyundertheUtahCriminalCode,Title76,thePublicEmployeesEthicsAct,Title67,Chapter16,theClandestineDrugLabAct,Title58Chapter37d,theProcurementCode,Title63G,Chapter6,oranyotherstatuteintheUtahCodeestablishingafelony.

E."Illegaldrug(s)"meansasubstanceincludedinSchedulesI,II,III,IV,orVofSection58‐37‐4,andalsoincludesadrugorsubstanceincludedinSchedulesI,II,III,IV,orVofthefederalControlledSubstancesAct,TitleII,P.L.91‐513,oranycontrolledsubstanceanalog.


F."Illegalsexualconduct"meansanyconductproscribedundertheUtahCriminalCode,Sections76‐5‐401through406,Section76‐5a‐1‐4,andSection76‐9‐704through704.

G."Licensingdiscipline"meanssanctionsrangingfromanadmonition,aletterofwarning,awrittenreprimand,suspensionoflicense,andrevocationoflicense,orotherappropriatedisciplinarymeasures,forviolationofprofessionaleducatorstandards.

H."Misdemeanoroffense"meansanyoffenseforwhichanindividualischargedwithaClassA,B,orCmisdemeanorundertheUtahCriminalCode,Title76,thePublicEmployeesEthicsAct,Title67,Chapter16,theClandestineDrugLabAct,Title58Chapter37d,theProcurementCode,Title63G,Chapter6,oranyotherstatuteintheUtahCodeestablishingamisdemeanor.

I."Pleainabeyance"meansapleaofguiltyornocontestwhichisnotenteredasajudgmentorconvictionbutisheldbyacourtinabeyanceforaspecifiedperiodoftime.

J."School‐relatedactivity"meansanyevent,activityorprogramoccurringattheschoolbefore,duringorafterschoolhoursorwhichstudentsattendataremotelocationasrepresentativesoftheschoolorwiththeschool'sauthorization,orboth.

K."Stalking"meanstheactofintentionallyorknowinglyengaginginacourseofconductdirectedataspecificpersonasdefinedinSection76‐5‐106.5.

L."UtahCoreCurriculum"meansminimumacademicstandardsprovidedthroughcoursesasestablishedbytheBoardwhichshallbemasteredbyallstudentsK‐12asarequisiteforgraduationfromUtah'ssecondaryschools.

M."UtahPublicEmployeesEthicsAct"meanstheprovisionsestablishedinSection67‐16‐1‐14.

N."UtahProfessionalPracticesAdvisoryCommission(Commission)"meansacommissionestablishedtoassistandadvisetheBoardinmattersrelatingtotheprofessionalpracticesofeducators,asestablishedunderSection53A‐6‐301.

O."USOE"meanstheUtahStateOfficeofEducation.

P."Weapon(s)"meansanyitemthatinthemannerofitsuseorintendeduseiscapableofcausingdeathorseriousbodilyinjury.


R277‐515‐2.AuthorityandPurpose.

A.ThisruleisauthorizedbyUtahConstitutionArticleX,Section3whichveststhegeneralcontrolandsupervisionofthepublicschoolsintheBoard,bySection53A‐1‐402(1)(a)whichdirectstheBoardtomakerulesregardingthecertificationofeducators,bySection53A‐6whichprovidesalllawsrelatedtoeducatorlicensingandprofessionalpractices,andbySection53A‐1‐401(3)whichallowstheBoardtoadoptrulesinaccordancewithitsresponsibilities.

B.Thepurposeofthisruleistoestablishstatewidestandardsforpublicschooleducatorsthatprovidenoticetoeducatorsandprospectiveeducatorsandnoticeandprotectiontopublicschoolstudentsandparents.Therulealsorecognizesthatlicensedpublicschooleducatorsareprofessionalsand,assuch,shouldsharecommonprofessionalstandards,expectationsandrolemodelresponsibilities.TheruledistinguishesbehaviorforwhicheducatorsshallreceivelicensedisciplinefrombehaviorthatallUtaheducatorsshouldaspiretoandforwhichlicensedisciplineshallbeinitiatedonlyinegregiouscircumstancesorfollowingapatternofoffenses.

R277‐515‐3.EducatorasaRoleModelofCivicandSocietalResponsibility.

A.Theprofessionaleducatorisresponsibleforcompliancewithfederal,state,andlocallaws.

B.Theprofessionaleducatorshallfamiliarizehimselfwithprofessionalethicsandisresponsibleforcompliancewithapplicableprofessionalstandards.

C.FailingtostrictlyadheretothefollowingshallresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Theprofessionaleducator,uponreceivingaUtaheducatorlicense:

(1)shallnotbeconvictedofanyfelonyormisdemeanoroffensewhichadverselyaffectstheindividual'sabilitytoperformassigneddutiesandcarryouttheresponsibilitiesoftheprofession,includingrolemodelresponsibilities.

(2)shallnotbeconvictedoforcommitanyactofviolenceorabuse,includingphysical,sexual,oremotionalabuseofanyperson;

(3)shallnotcommitanyactofcrueltytochildrenoranycriminaloffenseinvolvingchildren;


(4)shallnotbeconvictedofastalkingcrime;

(5)shallnotpossessordistributeillegaldrugs,orbeconvictedofanycrimerelatedtoillegaldrugs,includingprescriptiondrugsnotspecificallyprescribedfortheindividual;

(6)shallnotbeconvictedofanyillegalsexualconduct,includingoffensesthatarepleabargainedtolesseroffensesfromaninitialsexualoffense;

(7)shallnotbesubjecttoadiversionagreementspecifictosex‐relatedordrug‐relatedoffenses,pleainabeyance,court‐imposedprobationorcourtsupervisionrelatedtocriminalchargeswhichcouldadverselyimpacttheeducator'sabilitytoperformthedutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheprofession;

(8)shallnotprovidetostudentsorallowstudents,undertheeducator'ssupervisionorcontroltoconsumealcoholicbeveragesorunauthorizeddrugs;

(9)shallnotattendschooloraschool‐relatedactivityinanassignedsupervisorycapacity,whilepossessing,using,orundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillegaldrugs;

(10)shallnotintentionallyexceedtheprescribeddosagesofprescriptionmedicationswhileatschooloraschool‐relatedactivity;

(11)shallcooperateinprovidingallrelevantinformationandevidencetotheproperauthoritiesinthecourseofaninvestigationbyalawenforcementagencyorbyChildProtectiveServicesregardingpotentialcriminalactivity.However,aneducatorshallbeentitledtodeclinetogiveevidenceagainsthimselfinanysuchinvestigationifthesamemaytendtoincriminatetheeducatorasthattermisdefinedbytheFifthAmendmentoftheU.S.Constitution;

(12)shallreportsuspectedchildabuseorneglecttolawenforcementortheDivisionofChildandFamilyServicespursuanttoSections53A‐6‐502and62A‐4a‐409andcomplywithBoardrulesandschooldistrictpoliciesregardingthereportingofsuspectedchildabuse;

(13)shallstrictlyadheretostatelawsregardingthepossessionoffirearms,whileonschoolpropertyoratschool‐sponsoredactivities,andenforcedistrictpoliciesrelatedtostudentaccesstoorpossessionofweapons;

(14)shallnotsolicit,encourageorconsummateaninappropriaterelationship,written,verbal,orphysical,withastudentorminor;


(15)shallnotparticipateinsexual,physical,oremotionalharassmentoranycombinationtowardanypublicschool‐agestudentorcolleague,norknowinglyallowharassmenttowardstudentsorcolleagues;

(16)shallnotmakeinappropriatecontactinanycommunication‐written,verbal,orelectronic‐withminor,student,orcolleague,regardlessofageorlocation;

(17)shallnotinterfereordiscouragestudents'orcolleagues'legitimateexerciseofpoliticalandcivilrights,actingconsistentwithlawandschooldistrict/schoolpolicies;

(18)shallprovideaccurateandcompleteinformationinrequiredevaluationsofhimself,othereducators,orstudents,asdirected,consistentwiththelaw;

(19)shallbeforthcomingwithaccurateandcompleteinformationtoappropriateauthoritiesregardingknowneducatormisconductwhichcouldadverselyimpactperformanceofprofessionalresponsibilities,includingrolemodelresponsibilities,byhimselforothers;

(20)shallprovideaccurateandcompleteinformationrequiredforlicensure,transfer,oremploymentpurposes;and

(21)shallprovideaccurateandcompleteinformationregardingqualifications,degrees,academicorprofessionalawardsorhonors,andrelatedemploymenthistorywhenapplyingforemploymentorlicensure.

(22)shallnotifytheUSOEatthetimeofapplicationforlicensureofpastlicensedisciplinaryactionorlicensedisciplinefromotherjurisdictions;

(23)shallnotifytheUSOEhonestlyandcompletelyofpastcriminalconvictionsatthetimeofthelicenseapplicationandrenewaloflicenses;and

(24)shallprovidecompleteandaccurateinformationduringanofficialinquiryorinvestigationbyschooldistrict,state,orlawenforcementpersonnel.

D.FailuretoadheretothefollowingmayresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Penaltiesshallbeimposed,mostreadily,ifeducatorshavereceivedpreviousdocumentedwarning(s)fromtheeducator'semployer.

(1)Aneducatorshallnotexcludeastudentfromparticipatinginanyprogram,ordenyorgrantanybenefittoanystudentonthebasisofrace,color,creed,sex,nationalorigin,maritalstatus,politicalorreligiousbeliefs,physicalormentalconditions,family,social,orculturalbackground,orsexualorientation,andshallnotengageinconductthat


wouldencourageastudent(s)todevelopaprejudiceonthesegroundsoranyother,consistentwiththelaw.

(2)Aneducatorshallmaintainconfidentialityconcerningastudentunlessrevealingconfidentialinformationtoauthorizedpersonsservesthebestinterestofthestudentandservesalawfulpurpose,consistentwithfederalandstateFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActs(FERPA).

(3)ConsistentwiththeUtahPublicOfficers'andEmployees'EthicsAct,Section53A‐1‐402.5,andBoardrules,aprofessionaleducator:

(a)shallnotacceptbonusesorincentivesfromvendors,potentialvendors,orgiftsfromparentsofstudents,orstudentswheretheremaybetheappearanceofaconflictofinterestorimpropriety;

(b)shallnotacceptorgivegiftstostudentsthatwouldsuggestorfurtheraninappropriaterelationship;

(c)shallnotacceptorgivegiftstocolleaguesthatareinappropriateorfurthertheappearanceofimpropriety;

(d)mayacceptdonationsfromstudents,parents,andbusinessesdonatingspecificallyandstrictlytobenefitstudents;

(e)mayaccept,butnotsolicit,nominalappropriatepersonalgiftsforbirthdays,holidaysandteacherappreciationoccasions,consistentwithschoolorschooldistrictpoliciesandtheUtahPublicOfficers'andEmployees'EthicsAct;

(f)shallnotusehispositionorinfluenceto:

(i)solicitcolleagues,studentsorparentsorstudentstopurchaseequipment,supplies,orservicesfromtheeducatororparticipateinactivitiesthatfinanciallybenefittheeducatorunlessapprovedinwritingbythelocalschoolboardorgoverningboard;

(ii)promoteathleticcamps,summerleagues,travelopportunities,orotheroutsideinstructionalopportunitiesfromwhichtheeducatorreceivespersonalremuneration,andthatinvolvestudentsintheeducator'sschoolsystem,unlessapprovedinwritingconsistentwithlocalschoolboardorgoverningboardpolicyandBoardrule;and

(g)shallnotuseschoolproperty,facilities,orequipmentforpersonalenrichment,commercialgain,orforpersonaluseswithoutexpresssupervisorpermission.


R277‐515‐4.EducatorResponsibilityforMaintainingaSafeLearningEnvironmentandEducationalStandards.

A.Aprofessionaleducatormaintainsapositiveandsafelearningenvironmentforstudents,andworkstowardmeetingeducationalstandardsrequiredbylaw.

B.FailuretostrictlyadheretothefollowingshallresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Theprofessionaleducator,uponreceivingaUtaheducatorlicense:

(1)shalltakepromptandappropriateactiontopreventharassmentordiscriminatoryconducttowardsstudentsorschoolemployeesthatmayresultinahostile,intimidating,abusive,offensive,oroppressivelearningenvironment;

(2)shallresolvedisciplinaryproblemsaccordingtolaw,schoolboardpolicy,andlocalbuildingproceduresandstrictlyprotectstudentconfidentialityandunderstandlawsrelatingtostudentinformationandrecords;

(3)shallsupervisestudentsappropriatelyatschoolandschool‐relatedactivities,homeoraway,consistentwithdistrictpolicyandbuildingproceduresandtheageofthestudents;

(4)shalltakeactiontoprotectastudentfromanyknownconditiondetrimentaltothatstudent'sphysicalhealth,mentalhealth,safetyorlearning;

(5)shalldemonstratehonestyandintegritybystrictlyadheringtoallstateanddistrictinstructionsandprotocolsinmanagingandadministeringstandardizedteststostudentsconsistentwithSection53A‐1‐608andR277‐473;

(a)shallcooperateingoodfaithwithrequiredstudentassessments;

(b)shallencouragestudents'besteffortsinallassessments;

(c)shallsubmitandincludeallrequiredstudentinformationandassessments,asrequiredbystatelawandStateBoardofEducationrules;and

(d)shallattendtrainingandcooperatewithassessmenttrainingandassessmentdirectivesatalllevels.

(6)shallnotuseorattempttouseschooldistrictorschoolcomputersorinformationsystemsinviolationoftheschooldistrict'sacceptableusepolicyforemployees


oraccessinformationthatmaybedetrimentaltoyoungpeopleorinconsistentwiththeeducator'srolemodelresponsibility;and

(7)shallnotknowinglypossess,whileatschooloranyschool‐relatedactivity,anypornographicmaterialinanyform.

C.FailuretoadheretothefollowingmayresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Penaltiesshallbeimposed,mostreadily,ifeducatorshavereceivedpreviousdocumentedwarning(s)fromtheeducator'semployer:Aprofessionaleducator:

(1)shalldemonstraterespectfordiverseperspectives,ideas,andopinionsandencouragecontributionsfromabroadspectrumofschoolandcommunitysources,includingcommunitieswhoseheritagelanguageisnotEnglish;

(2)shalluseappropriatelanguage,eschewingprofane,foul,offensive,orderogatorycommentsorlanguage;

(3)shallmaintainapositiveandsafelearningenvironmentforstudents;

(4)shallworktowardmeetingeducationalstandardsrequiredbylaw;

(5)shallteachtheobjectivescontainedintheUtahCoreCurriculum;

(6)shallnotdistortoraltersubjectmatterfromtheCoreinamannerinconsistentwiththelawandshalluseinstructionaltimeeffectively;and

(7)shalluseinstructionaltimeeffectivelyconsistentwithschoolandschooldistrictpolicies.

R277‐515‐5.ProfessionalEducatorResponsibilityforCompliancewithSchoolDistrictPolicies.

A.FailuretostrictlyadheretothefollowingshallresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Theprofessionaleducator:

(1)understandsandfollowsBoardrulesandlocalboardpolicies

(2)understandsandfollowsschoolandadministrativepoliciesandprocedures;

(3)understandsandrespectsappropriateboundaries,establishedbyethicalrulesandschoolpoliciesanddirectives,inteaching,supervisingandinteractingwithstudentsandcolleagues;and


(4)shallconductfinancialbusinesswithintegritybyhonestlyaccountingforallfundscommittedtotheeducator'scharge,asschoolresponsibilitiesrequire,consistentwithschoolandschooldistrictpolicy.

B.FailuretoadheretothefollowingmayresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Penaltiesshallbeimposedmostreadily,ifeducatorshavereceivedpreviousdocumentedwarning(s)fromtheeducator'semployer.Theprofessionaleducator:

(1)shallresolvegrievanceswithstudents,colleagues,schoolcommunitymembers,andparentsprofessionally,withcivility,andinaccordancewithschooldistrict/charterschoolpolicies;and

(2)shallfollowschooldistrict/charterschoolpoliciesforcollectingmoneyfromstudents,accountingforallmoneycollected,andnotcomminglinganyschoolfundswithpersonalfunds.

R277‐515‐6.ProfessionalEducatorConduct.

A.Aprofessionaleducatorexhibitsintegrityandhonestyinrelationshipswithschoolanddistrictadministratorsandpersonnel.

B.FailuretoadheretothefollowingmayresultinlicensingdisciplineasdefinedinR277‐515‐1G.Penaltiesshallbeimposedmostreadily,ifeducatorshavereceivedpreviousdocumentedwarning(s)fromtheeducator'semployer.Theprofessionaleducator:

(1)shallcommunicateprofessionallyandwithcivilitywithcolleagues,schoolandcommunityspecialists,administratorsandotherpersonnel;

(2)maintainsaprofessionalandappropriaterelationshipanddemeanorwithstudents,colleaguesandschoolcommunitymembersandparents;

(3)shallnotpromotepersonalopinions,personalissues,orpoliticalpositionsaspartoftheinstructionalprocessinamannerinconsistentwithlaw;expressespersonalopinionsprofessionallyandresponsiblyinthecommunityservedbytheschool;

(4)shallcomplywithschoolanddistrictpolicies,supervisorydirectives,andgenerally‐acceptedprofessionalstandardsregardingappropriatedressandgroomingatschoolandschool‐relatedevents;

(5)shallworkdiligentlytoimprovetheeducator'sownprofessionalunderstanding,judgment,andexpertise;


(6)shallhonorallcontractsforprofessionalservices;

(7)shallperformallservicesrequiredordirectedbytheeducator'scontractwiththeschooldistrict,school,orcharterschoolwithprofessionalismconsistentwithlocalpoliciesandBoardrules;and

(8)shallrecruitothereducatorsforemploymentinanotherpositiononlywithindistricttimelinesandguidelines.

R277‐515‐7.ViolationsofProfessionalEthics.

A.ThisruleestablishesstandardsofethicaldecorumandbehaviorforlicensededucatorsinUtah.

B.Provisionsofthisruledonotprevent,circumvent,replace,normirrorcriminalorpotentialchargesthatmaybeissuedagainstprofessionaleducators.

C.TheBoardandUSOEshalladheretotheprovisionsofthisruleinlicensinganddisciplininglicensedUtaheducators.

D.Reportingandemploymentprovisionsrelatedtoprofessionalethicsareprovidedin:

(1)Section53A‐3‐410;

(2)Section53A‐6‐501;

(3)Section53A‐11‐403;and

(4)R277‐514‐5

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