5121 - Unprofessional Conduct Policy

Policy 5121

PERSONNEL 

Unprofessional Conduct
The board of directors recognizes its responsibility to protect students from harm.  All employees are expected to exhibit good moral character and personal fitness as they fulfill their job duties.  Employees shall not engage in unprofessional conduct including, but not limited to:

A.  The related acts of immorality and/or intemperance;

B.  Violation of written contract;

C.  Crime against the state or involving the physical neglect of children;

D.  The physical injury of children;

E.  Sexual misconduct with children or students;

F.  Misrepresentation or falsification in the course of professional practice or job duties;

G. Possession, use or consumption or being under the influence of alcohol or of a controlled substance on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity involving students;

H. Disregard or abandonment of generally recognized professional standards;

I.   Abandonment of contract for professional services;

J.  Unauthorized professional practice;

K. Illegal furnishing of alcohol or a controlled substance to a student; or

L.  Improper remunerative conduct.

Unprofessional conduct shall not include matters such as insubordination, violation of the collective bargaining agreement or other employment-related acts correctable by the district or other civil remedies.

When the superintendent possesses sufficient reliable information to believe that a certificated employee is not of good moral character or personally fit or has committed an act of unprofessional conduct, within a reasonable period of time of making such determination, he or she shall file a written complaint with the superintendent of public instruction consistent with state law and regulations.

The superintendent or designee shall maintain a confidential file containing allegations and the findings related to his or her investigation.

 

Cross References:       Board Policy 5120                  Certification
                                    Board Policy 5255                  Disciplinary Action and Discharge
 

Legal References:       RCW  28A.400.320               Mandatory termination of classified
                                                                                                employees
                                    RCW   28A.405.470               Mandatory termination of certified
                                                                                                employees
                                    RCW   28A.410.090               Revocation of Authority to teach –
                                                                                                Method -- Grounds
                                    RCW   28A.410.100               Revocation of Authority to teach –
                                                                                                Hearings and appeals
                                    RCW   28A.410.110               Reinstatement prohibited for crimes

                                    WAC   180-79A                      Certification for School Personnel

                                    WAC   180-86                         Professional Certification Proceedings

                                    WAC   180-87                         Acts of Unprofessional Conduct

                                   WAC   180-79A-155               Good Moral Character and Personal Fitness

                                                                                          — Necessary supporting evidence applicants

 

Adoption Date:           May 27, 2008