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What written document communicates “the tone at the top” in a school district? A written code of ethics or conduct is the keystone to communicating the board of trustees’ and executive management’s expectations to all personnel in addition to external stakeholders. This is especially important in relation to vendors that are interested in or are currently doing business with the school district. An excellent example of a code of ethics is found on the Round Rock ISD website. RRISD’s code of ethics is easy to find under the “About” link on the district’s home page. 

It is an absolute requirement of all districts that receive federal funds to have board adopted policies in this area, in accordance with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. To help ensure everyone understands expectations in this area, periodic training should be provided to the district’s staff, especially when onboarding new hires, in addition to periodic training provided to board members. The employee handbook should also cover the district's standards for ethics and conduct. Lastly, the district's attorney on retainer should be consulted about the adequate coverage in applicable areas of personnel and vendor contracts, and board adopted policies.  

To access the Round Rock ISD’s Code of Ethics click on the link below.

https://roundrockisd.org/about-rrisd/board-and-district-policies/

To access the provisions in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations requiring “written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts,” click on the link below.