5342 Week 5 Part 1

Part 1

There are many ways a superintendent may violate ethical standards but, as stated in this week’s video, the simple philosophy of “taking the high road” and “doing the right thing” is the one way to avoid making such errors in judgment.  Some examples of violations to the TAC follow.  A superintendent using maintenance personnel and/or supplies to paint his/her home during school hours violates standard 1.2.  Directing a counselor or principal to enhance the grade of the school board member’s child violates standard 1.6.  Failure to hold the required open meeting prior to the board’s approval of the budget would be a violation of standard 1.7.  A superintendent encouraging employees not to vote in the board elections violates standard 2.4.  The hiring of a friend for the HS principal position from outside the district without advertising and accepting applications violates standard 2.3. 

In each scenario there are serious ethics violations that could result in written action against and/or the termination of the superintendent.  The district will also face rebuilding lost trust between leadership and the community.   The lack of trust will likely interfere with community/board support in other immediate and future areas as well.  Of course the career of the superintendent may also be in jeopardy as he/she attempts to move on.

Every educator must hold themselves accountable and, as previously mentioned, do the right thing.  When entering unknown areas we must seek the advice and wisdom of those on our team, school lawyers, and those who have served as our mentors.  We must use all resources for informed decision making.