FILE:  GBU

Cf:  GBRA, JG

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

 

The Code of Ethics is based upon the broad assumption that each educator in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System shall seek to establish an environment and educational program that will facilitate the development of the full potential of each student; that each educator shall discharge assigned responsibilities toward self, students, colleagues, parents and the community through standard professional practices and ethical conduct; and that the daily conduct and performance of the educators in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System shall reflect high standards of professional commitment and preparation.

 

I.

PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

 

In fulfilling obligation to professional performance, the educators in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System:

 

1.

Shall, when he/she seeks, accepts, offers, or assigns a position on the basis of professional preparation and certification meet the terms of such contract, appointment, or assignment.

 

2.

Shall demonstrate emotional stability, physical adequacy, and social sensitivity appropriate to assigned professional responsibilities.

 

3.

Shall demonstrate the ability to organize, manage, and perform instructional or administrative tasks pertinent to the objectives of the position assigned.

 

4.

Shall comply with all applicable local and state board policies and regulations and with legislative mandates.

 

5.

Shall demonstrate personal interest and effort in continual professional improvement.

 

II.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

 

In fulfilling obligation to professional conduct the educators in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System:

 

1.

Shall avoid use of professional position or privilege in any manner that constitute conflict of interest.

 

2.

Shall demonstrate honesty and integrity in relation to school finances, students, colleagues, and all other areas of educational responsibility or privilege.

 

3.

Shall represent fairly and interpret accurately official policies of the School Board when making public statements.

 

III.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT TOWARD COLLEAGUES

 

In fulfilling obligation to professional conduct toward colleagues, the educators in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System:

 

1.

Shall refrain from making false or malicious statements about a colleague or a school system.

 

2.

Shall withhold confidential information about a colleague unless such information would serve a compelling professional purpose or is legally mandated.

 

3.

Shall follow Louisiana Statutes, official school board policies, and other applicable regulations in all matters relating to certification, employment, assignment of duties, tenure, and termination.

 

4.

Shall, when responding to professional inquiry, provide only objective, accurate, and fair statements that are relevant to the inquiry.

 

5.

Shall avoid intentional exposure of colleagues to harassment, embarrassment, or ridicule.

 

IV.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT TOWARD STUDENTS

 

In fulfilling obligation to professional conduct toward students, the educators in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System:

 

1.

Shall view professional responsibility to students as a matter of public trust and shall work diligently to help each student strive to realize his/her potential for effective citizenship.

 

2.

Shall abstain from intentional exposure of students to harassment, embarrassment, or ridicule.

 

3.

Shall deal fairly with each student and shall consistently resolve difficult situations according to school board policy and applicable laws.

 

4.

Shall disclose confidential information about a student solely for professional purposes or as required by law.

 

5.

Shall strive to provide the best possible learning environment and shall make reasonable effort to protect students from danger to health and safety.

 

V.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT TOWARD PARENTS AND COMMUNITY

 

In fulfilling obligation to professional conduct toward parents and community, the educators in the West Baton Rouge Parish School System:

 

1.

Shall fulfill normal citizenship responsibilities in the community through cooperation with parents and others seeking to improve public schools in the community.

 

2.

Shall avoid interference with any individual's exercise of political or other citizenship rights and responsibilities.

 

3.

Shall seek diligently to communicate with parents regarding progress, needs and welfare of students.

 

4.

Shall seek to understand and empathize with various cultures and home environments and shall endeavor to relate these circumstances to needs of students in the schools.

 

5.

Shall be prepared to interpret the program of the school to the community through a positive role in school public relations.

 

Readopted:  July, 2007

 

 

Ref:    Board minutes, 6-1-83, 7-18-07

 

West Baton Rouge Parish School Board