5100 -GENERAL CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
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. School system employees cannot perform their duties effectively unless they have the trust and respect of students, parents, vendors, suppliers, the public and other employees. Accordingly, they must exhibit the highest standards of honesty, integrity, fairness and professionalism in any activity. Employee conduct should be such as to protect both the person's integrity and reputation and that of the school system. An unswerving commitment to honorable behavior by each and every employee is expected.
It is not practical or possible to enumerate all of the situations that might fall under this policy. Clearly, employees are expected to perform their job duties in a competent and ethical manner without violating either the public trust or applicable laws, policies and regulations. Many policies addressing specific conduct are included in this policy manual. The Board of Education further requires all certified employees to know and abide by the Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for North Carolina Educators. However, 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.
All school employees shall review, be familiar with and follow the printed policies of the Board. Copies of the policy manual shall be available in the principal's office and media center of each school.
Legal Reference: G.S.115C-36, -295.3; 16 N.C. Admin. Code 6C.0602 (Code of Professional Conduct for North Carolina Educators)
Adopted Effective: July 1, 1999
