School Finance - Week 5 Assignment, Part 1

TAC 247.2 1. Examples of ethics violations:       Section 1       Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.       Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay.      Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or appreciation of service.       Section 2       Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws regarding the hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.       Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to influence professional decisions or colleagues. 2. Consequences of ethics violations: In regard to the three examples of ethics standards from section 1, my district’s employee handbook states: The dismissal or resignation of a certified employee will be reported to SBEC when the superintendent first learns about an alleged incident of conduct that involves . . . ·   The illegal transfer, appropriation, or expenditure of school property or funds ·   Committing a crime on school property or at a school-sponsored event According to the above stated consequences, the immediate consequence for the employee is to be reported to SBEC and law enforcement officials. The long term consequences may be dismissal (or possibly the opportunity to resign). Depending on the severity of the violation, consequences may include revocation of certificate – resulting in the loss of a career in education, as well as a possible criminal record. 3. Preventative actions: Preventative actions to ensure these standards are enforced include: Establishing a culture of high expectations Making and keeping staff aware (placed in handbook, reviewed on campus level annually, etc.) Continuous monitoring and supervising, audits, and  a check and balance system in place Several of the SBEC Superintendent Competency 1 Quality Indicators apply to the above preventative actions: Model and promote the highest standard of conduct, ethical principles, and integrity in decision making, actions, and behaviors. Exhibit understanding and implement policies and procedures that promote district personnel compliance with The Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators. Monitor and address ethical issues impacting education.