4042 - Code of Ethics

Adoption Date: 06/08/2020

Revision History: Reviewed 12/14/2020

The District desires to establish and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct by employees and volunteers associated with the District. To that end, the District has established the following Code of Ethics. All employees of the District including part-time and substitute employees, and any and all members of, committees, and/or commissions appointed by the Board of Education or Superintendent shall:

• Make the well-being of students the fundamental value of all decision-making and action.

• Fulfill their professional responsibilities with honesty, integrity, sensitivity and good judgment.

• Support the principle of due process and protect the civil and human rights of all individuals.

• Interact respectfully and fairly with all Board Members, employees, students, families, volunteers and members of the public.

• Endeavor to pursue a course of conduct which is open, above suspicion, and which upholds and supports the public trust.

• Respect and safeguard all confidential knowledge about students and other employees without divulging such information except as necessary for the performance of their duties.

• Use District resources and positions only for District purposes.

• Conduct all activities in full compliance with the law, this Code and District policies and procedures.

• Not engage in activities which are illegal or which violate the public trust.

• Not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation in the performance of professional duties.

• Not use their public office or position to secure unwarranted privileges, private advancement or gain.

• Not, beyond the scope of their public positions, disclose confidential information acquired by them by reason of their public positions, nor shall any such confidential information be used for personal gain or benefit.

• Not accept other employment, any compensation, gift, payment of expenses, of any other thing of monetary value which would result in the impairment of independence of judgment in the exercise of official duties, give preferential treatment to any person, make a governmental decision outside official channels, or adversely affect the confidence of the public in the integrity of the District.

• Not commit any act of moral turpitude, nor commit any felony under the laws of the United States or any state or territory.

• Bringing the District’s reputation into disrepute.

All employees of the District including part-time and substitute employees, and any and all members of, committees, and/or commissions appointed by the Board of Education or Superintendent are expected to adhere to the Policies and Regulations adopted by the Board of Education, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Policy 7000 relating to Ethical Practices and Conflicts of Interest in contracting and procurement. Certificated staff are reminded of their additional responsibilities under the Nebraska Department of Education ethics standards and Policies 4023 and 4190.