ASB Badge #02 - Ethics-ASB Badge #2

ASB Badge #2 - PowerPoint

Pdf Summary

This document outlines ethical expectations and legal requirements for Washington school district employees, emphasizing that a high standard of moral, honest behavior must be modeled “from the top.” Ethics is described as a set of moral principles and duties that guide right and wrong conduct. Staff are expected to interact appropriately with students, colleagues, parents, and the community; safeguard school funds; and follow state/federal law plus district policies and procedures.<br /><br />Key legal restrictions include conflict-of-interest rules in contracts. Under RCW 42.23.030, employees (treated as “municipal officers”) may not have a direct or indirect interest in contracts made by or under their supervision, nor accept compensation, gratuities, or rewards connected to such contracts. RCW 42.23.070 further prohibits using one’s position to secure special privileges or exemptions for oneself or others.<br /><br />The document also summarizes WAC 181-87, which governs acts of unprofessional conduct for certificated staff (teachers, ASB advisors, coaches, and other certified personnel). Unprofessional conduct can include falsification or misrepresentation, substance abuse on school grounds, abandonment of contract, unauthorized practice, neglect of student welfare, disregard of professional standards, sexual misconduct, providing alcohol/drugs to students, and improper purchases for private gain.<br /><br />Mandatory reporting is highlighted: RCW 28A.400.317 requires reporting student victims of physical or sexual misconduct by a school employee, including reporting to law enforcement as required by RCW 26.44.030.<br /><br />Examples of common ethical issues include hiring family members and paying them via ASB, inappropriate social media contact with students, keeping vendor bonuses personally, misuse of school technology, wearing school-branded apparel in inappropriate venues, personal use of district vehicles or facilities, and conflicts involving vendor relationships.<br /><br />Finally, it stresses that ASB funds are public money requiring strict policies, budgeting, and oversight; ASB spending must benefit current students. The “3 M’s” that commonly lead to trouble are Money, Mismanagement, and Morals.

Keywords

Washington school district ethics

employee code of conduct

RCW 42.23 conflict of interest

municipal officer contract restrictions

WAC 181-87 unprofessional conduct

mandatory reporting RCW 28A.400.317

child abuse reporting RCW 26.44.030

ASB funds public money oversight

social media boundaries with students

misuse of district resources and vendor gratuities