2305

2305

3005

CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

3005

4005

4005

All school system employees hold positions of public trust; they are responsible for the education of students and also serve as examples and role models to students.  Each employee is responsible for both the integrity and the consequences of his or her own actions.  The highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness must be exhibited by each employee when engaging in any activity concerning the school system, particularly in relationships with vendors, suppliers, students, parents, the public, and other employees.  Employee conduct should be such as to protect both the person’s integrity and/or reputation and that of the school system.  An unswerving commitment to honorable behavior by each and every employee is expected.  Integrity can accommodate the inadvertent error and the honest difference of opinion; it cannot accommodate deceit or subordination of principle.

Employees shall perform their jobs in a competent and ethical manner without violating either the public trust or applicable law, policies, and regulations.  It is not practical or possible to enumerate all of the situations that might fall under the guidelines of this policy.  In addition to other policies, regulations, and approved practices that have been established covering specific areas of activity, (such as purchasing), the absence of a law, policy, or regulation covering a particular situation does not relieve an employee from the responsibility to exercise the highest ethical standards at all times.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

The Superintendent has developed in Regulations and Procedures (R&P 2305/3005/4005) guidelines which address the specifics related to this policy.

Legal Reference: G.S. 14-234 to 14-236, G.S. 115C-47(18), and

G.S. 15C-308

Adopted:  November 21, 1988

Revised:  August 17, 1998