Policy 4116 - Staff Code of Ethics

The Board of Education believes an effective educational program requires the services of individuals with integrity, high ideals, and human understanding.

All District employees are expected to accept responsibility for their conduct and to understand that their conduct may be regarded as representative of the District. Employees are required to abide by a standard of conduct that models good citizenship and to be an example of self-discipline for students, parents, and the community. Individuals are required at all times to avoid behavior that may cause them to lose the respect of the students, parents, and the community. Further, each member of the staff is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will not conflict with local, state or federal laws.

All employees of the District are expected to maintain high standards in their school relationships including but not limited to the following:

• The placement of the education of children as the first concern of the school system.
  
  
• The maintenance of just and courteous professional relationships with students, parents, staff members, and others.
  
  
• The maintenance of their own efficiency and knowledge of the developments in their fields of work.
  
  
• The maintenance, respect, and compliance with state and federal laws to protect information concerning students, families, staff, and District matters.
  
  
• The transaction of all official business with the properly designated authorities of the school system, while ensuring the confidentiality of privileged information as appropriate.
  
  
• The establishment of a friendly and cooperative relationship between the community and school system.
  
  
• The establishment of a respectful, individual, and collaborative effort to support District goals, Board policies and procedures, and the education of our students.
  
  
• Restraint from using their position to promote partisan politics, sectarian religious views, or selfish propaganda of any kind, or for personal, monetary or non-monetary gain.
  
  
• The establishment and maintenance of a culture that seeks to continually improve the education and welfare of our students. This requires assessment of both the strengths and weaknesses of our current practices, and the willingness to seek improvement with the staff members directly involved. The purpose of sharing the information is to improve services to our students within an atmosphere of support, honesty and professionalism.
  
  
• The proper use and protection of all school properties, equipment and materials.
  
  
• The adherence to all ethical standards for public employees and officials required by state law.
  
  
• The knowledge of and adherence to District policies in areas related to their employment responsibilities.
  
  
• Restraint from outside employment which will impair the ability to execute employment responsibilities.
  
  
• Failure to adhere to this Code of Ethics will result in action appropriate to the infraction.

Wis. Stats. 19.41
Wis. Stats. 19.59
Wis. Stats. 118.12
Wis. Stats. 946.10
Wis. Stats. 946.12
Wis. Stats. 946.13

Approved -- March 12, 1996
Reconfirmed -- 2/98, 11/99, 1/2008
Revised -- 7/2004