4118.23/4218.23

Personnel -- Certified/Non-Certified

Staff Conduct and Professional Attire

The Board of Education recognizes that school children are often influenced by the conduct displayed by teachers and other members of a school's staff.  The Board expects that staff will strive to set the kind of example for students that will serve them well in their own conduct and behavior and contribute toward positive school climate.

Employees are expected to report for work appropriately dressed, on time and fully prepared to perform their duties.  They are expected to perform their duties in a timely and efficient manner, and to refrain from inappropriate conduct.  Every employee is expected to deal effectively with students, parents and all staff members.

The personal life of an employee will be the concern and warrant the attention of the Board only as it may directly affect the employee's fitness to perform the job, his/her fitness to be placed in a position of trust with children, the property of the district, or constitute a conflict of interest.

All employees will be provided with an explanation of both their responsibilities and their rights under law in terms of the actions they may take to maintain order, discipline, and an appropriate educational environment. Training will be provided that defines approved actions, and informs employees that they may be liable for harm when they engage in criminal, grossly negligent or reckless conduct, or act with flagrant indifference to the rights and safety of another person who suffers harm as a result.  The Superintendent will develop rules that prescribe the circumstances under which the District administration and/or parents/guardians are to be notified of actions taken, any written documentation of actions taken that is necessary, and other appropriate procedures including staff training.

Disciplinary action, when necessary, will be applied in accord with applicable laws, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

Professional Attire

In recognition of the important role that staff members play in setting an example for the students and by the image they project in providing a reflection of the school district to the community, it is expected that the staff will present a neat and clean appearance at all times.

As tastes and preferences in style are subjective, a committee comprised of two representatives appointed by the President of the Union, an administrator selected by the Superintendent, and a Board member designated by the Chairperson will meet as necessary to decide if specific articles of clothing are appropriate. A list of items of attire considered unacceptable will be posted on the first day of each school year. It will be the responsibility of the administrator of the building to determine when exceptions to the norm will be allowed.

The nature of certain teaching assignments (i.e., Industrial Arts, Art, Field Trips, etc..) may require exceptions to the above policy and will be dealt with on an individual basis.

No changes in the professional attire policy shall be made without dress code committee approval.

In instances in which federal, state, or local public health agencies require or advise the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks/coverings, the Superintendent may require it to be worn at all times during work hours and/or specify certain conditions in which it must be worn.  Employees with legitimate health concerns that would make wearing PPE dangerous or harmful may present the Superintendent with written proof of such from a licensed medical provider. The Superintendent will make accommodations for the employee to the degree prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act or other pertinent federal law or state statute.

Principals are expected to counsel teachers assigned to their building on appearance and conduct in relation to the educational environment.

Policy adopted: