The school district uses a combination of School Board Policy plus the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Professional in Florida, and the Ethics in Education Act of 2008, along with other resources to address ethics.
Ethics for Polk County Schools means:
Obeying laws, rules, and policies
Following the Code of Ethics, Principles of Professionalism, and Core Values
Making mandatory reports of child abuse, bullying, harassment, etc.
Maintaining the public trust
Currently, these Board Policies contain information about ethics:
The Polk County School District has developed and adopted the core values and statements below in support of its mission statement. They serve to outline the aspirations and expectations for the professional and ethical interactions of those within the organization and all of its stakeholders.
| Core Values | |
|---|---|
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Accountability |
We will work as a team to ensure student graduation basing all decisions on relevant and accurate information. |
Ethics, Integrity, Commitment, and Dedication |
We will hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, acting with honesty, and integrity, dedicated to exemplary work. |
Service |
We will model servant leadership that inspires trust and loyalty, embraces equity, builds confidence, and responds to the needs of others. |
Dignity and Respect |
We will ensure a positive work environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect. |
Safe and Orderly |
We will maintain a safe and orderly environment, with everyone on task at all times. |
Learning, Improvement, High Quality, and Excellence |
We will foster a culture of continuous learning and personal development for all, recognizing and celebrating excellence, achievement, creativity, and diversity. |
The Florida Commission on Ethics publishes the Guide to the Sunshine Amendment and Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, as contained in Florida Statutes and the Florida Constitution.
The Florida Constition in Article II, Section 8, establishes provisions about Ethics in Government to safeguard the public's trust.
The Commission on Ethics provides a summary of the Florida gift law for public officers, employees, candidates, and persons and entities providing gifts and honoraria to public officers, employees, and candidates. Please visit the Commission's webpage about Ethics Laws for more information.
Florida law governs lobbying. To read more about lobbying, please visit the Florida Commission on Ethics' webpage about Lobbyist Information. Additional information may be found on the State of Florida's Online Sunshine webpage concerning Lobbyist Information plus an executive branch lobbying FAQ.