Finance Week 5, Part 1

Finance Week 5 Part 1


Example 1- Standard 1.2 of the Code of Ethics states that, “the educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment committed to her or her charge for personal gain or advantage. An example would be a teacher collects money for student fund raising activity. The teacher turns the cash in to an administrator and the administrator doesn’t deposit the money but instead uses it for personal purposes.

Consequence- An educator should not misappropriate funds and there could be short and long term consequences due to this type of violation. This incident could be investigated and the educator could be put on administrative leave or terminated. If terminated, the administrator’s reputation could be damaged.

Preventive Action- The superintendent knows how to apply laws, policies, and procedures in a fair and reasonable manner. Provide proper training for procedures on depositing checks on a daily basis. Ensure a budgeting process that accounts for depositing money on a daily basis.

Example 2- Standard 1.3 of the Code of Ethics states that, “the educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay. An example is an educator manufactures fake receipts to request reimbursement from district.

Consequence- Short term and long term consequences could result from this violation. Administrator could be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The educator could receive a written reprimand or terminated. If terminated, there would be a Code of Ethics violation filed with the Texas Education Agency.

Preventive Action- The superintendent knows how to model and promote the highest standard of conduct, ethical principles, and integrity in decision making, actions, and behaviors. School district should establish training for appropriate use of school funds.

Example 3- Standard 1.13 of the Code of Ethics states that, “the educator shall not consume alcoholic beverages on school property or during school activities when students are present. A teacher decided to drink an alcohol beverage on a school trip during her class lunch at a restaurant. The teacher drank while sitting at the table with her high school students.

Consequence- Short term and long term consequences resulted from this violation. The teacher was placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation. The teacher was then terminated and a Code of Ethics was filed with the Texas Education Agency.

Preventive Action- The superintendent knows how to monitor and address ethical issues impacting education. The district should inform faculty and staff about appropriate behavior and discuss Code of Ethics!

Example 4- Standard 2.1 of the Code of Ethics states that, “the educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law. A department leader shared with her department that a teacher would no longer be returning to school to work. The teacher was still an employee of the district and had been out on administrative leave.

Short term consequence was a written reprimand and for the department leader to share with the department that she gave misinformed information. The teacher is still an employee of the district and a substitute will work in the class until further notice.

Example 5- Standard 2.2 of the Code of Ethics states that, “the educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the school system. An administrator was visiting with faculty and staff members on an individual basis spreading rumors. The administrator was implying that one of the other administrators had already accepted a job as a principal of another school.

Short term consequence was a written reprimand on professional communication. Administrators know to work together as professionals and not spread false information regarding colleagues. The administrator did file a grievance on the other for falsifying information.