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Tag: Ethics

Published on
    • Effective: 3/29/2022
  1. Board Directive
    The Board adopts this policy to set standards of conduct and expectations of honorable and ethical behavior it expects of all employees. As with the Utah Public Officers’ and Employees’ Ethics Act (67-16), it is intended to promote the public interest and strengthen the faith and confidence of residents in the integrity of government. The intent is to avoid situations where a) someone may be falsely accused of unethical behavior, and where b) someone may do something unethical. Employees must avoid the appearance of impropriety to ensure and maintain public confidence. The Board delegates to the Administration the responsibility to implement the policy provisions below.
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. Ethical Behavior
      All employees including the Board of Education, Officers of the Board, district-level administration, school administration, and all staff and faculty employed by the District and/or its schools are expected to follow the Utah Public Officers’ and Employees’ Ethics Act (67-16), many provisions of which are summarized below. Employees are individually accountable for ethical behavior and, if found to be acting unethically, may receive job action up to and including termination of employment as determined appropriate.

      1. Conflict of Interest (see BP178 Purchasing Provisions, II-F for details; below is a summary.)
        1. All employees are expected to disengage and/or disqualify themselves when a transaction or activity arises where it may appear to a reasonable person that the employee may have a conflict of interest.
        2. A conflict of interest exists whenever any employee puts her/his interest or the interests of some other individual(s) or entity ahead of or in opposition to the interests of the School District.
        3. Employees must avoid all situations that create even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
      2. Improper Use of Position
        1. Employees should not use their position in the District for a purpose that is, or would to a reasonable person appear to be, primarily for the private benefit of the employee, rather than primarily for the benefit of the District.
        2. Employees should maintain proper relationships with those with whom they work in accordance with DP378 Employee Code of Conduct, DP358 Employee Discrimination and Harassment, and AS94 Student Discrimination and Harassment.
      3. Accept Gifts or Loans
        Employees should not ask for or receive, directly or indirectly, any compensation, gift, gratuity, item or activity of value, or promise thereof, for performing or for omitting or deferring the performance of any official duty; except that the following shall be allowed:

        1. Unsolicited flowers, plants, and floral arrangements;
        2. Unsolicited advertising or promotional items of nominal value, such as pens and notepads;
        3. Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation in the form of a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento, or similar item;
        4. Unsolicited food items given to a department when the contents are shared among employees and the public;
        5. Unsolicited items received for the purpose of evaluation or review provided the officer or employee has no personal beneficial interest in the eventual use or acquisition of the item by the District;
        6. Information material, publications, or subscriptions related to the recipient’s performance of official duties;
        7. Food and beverages consumed at hosted receptions where attendance is related to official duties;
        8. Meals, beverages, and lodging associated with retreats or other meetings where the official serves as a representative, designee or is otherwise assigned to another organization or entity from the District;
        9. Travel costs, lodging, and tuition costs associated with District-sanctioned training or education when not provided by a private entity under contract with the District;
        10. Admission to, and the cost of food and beverages consumed at events sponsored by or in conjunction with a civic, charitable, governmental, or community organization and other officials or employees of similar agencies are in attendance;
        11. Unsolicited gifts from dignitaries from another entity or other jurisdiction that are intended to be personal in nature; and
        12. Unsolicited gifts from vendors with an aggregate economic value of $50.00 or less from a single source in a calendar year received either directly or indirectly by the official or employee.
        13. Thank you gifts and recognitions of reasonable value, given to employees are acceptable when no reciprocation is expected or perceived.
      4. Disclosing Privileged Information
        Employees should not disclose or use any privileged or proprietary information gained by reason of his or her official position for the immediate or anticipated personal gain or benefit of the employee or any other person or entity; provided, that nothing shall prohibit the disclosure or use of information which is a matter of public knowledge, or which is available to the public on request.
      5. Nepotism (see DP303 Staff Selection - Licensed and DP307 Staff Selection, Promotion, and Salary Placement – Education Support Professionals for details; below is a summary).
        1. Supervisors may not hire or recommend for hire their own relatives
        2. Employees should not be supervised and evaluated by their own relatives
      6. Misuse of Public Resources
        Employees should work for the collection, protection, maintenance, and retention of all assets (including funds, property, and records) owned by or owed to the District and not act in any manner that prevents, obscures, devalues, or redirects any assets (including funds, property, and records) of the District away from the District for their personal gain or the gain of another individual or entity.
      7. Outside Employment
        Employees may engage in outside or secondary employment to their position within Jordan School District so long as the outside or secondary employment does not:

        1. Interfere with job performance for the District; or
        2. Conflict with the interests of the District; or
        3. Give reason for criticism or suspicion of conflicting interest or duties.
      8. Political Activity
        Employees are encouraged to engage in the political process but may not:

        1. Engage in political campaigning or solicitation of political contributions during their normal work hours; or
        2. Use District equipment or email for campaigning or political activity; or
        3. Create a benefit or a detriment for others based solely on their political opinions.
      9. Fair and Equal Treatment
        No employee shall grant any special consideration, treatment, or advantage to any citizen beyond that which is available to every other citizen in similar circumstances.
    2. Reporting Fraud and Abuse
      1. Improper Government Action means any action by a District employee that is undertaken in the performance of the employee’s official duties, whether or not the action is within the scope of the employee’s employment; and
        1. Is in violation of any federal, state, or local law or rule; or
        2. Is an abuse of authority; or
        3. Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety; or
        4. Is a gross waste of public funds.
      2. Employees who become aware of improper governmental actions should raise the issue
        1. With their supervisor; or
        2. If they reasonably believe the improper governmental action involves her/his supervisor, the employee may raise the issue with any supervisor above his/her supervisor including the Superintendent; or
        3. If it is reasonably believed to be an emergency where damage to persons or property may result if action is not taken immediately, the employee may raise the issue directly with the department or individual who oversees the area; or
        4. Through the District’s Fraud, Waste, Abuse, and Non-Compliance reporting telephone number or website.
      3. Upon making a report, employees should be prepared to provide as much detail as possible in order to expedite and assist the investigation.
      4. Although not required, employees are encouraged to provide their name, position, and contact information in order to allow those investigating the opportunity to ask follow-up questions and, as appropriate, to provide non-confidential results of the investigation.

Published on
  • Effective: 9/25/2012
  • Revision: 11/18/2025

The Board commits itself and its members to ethical, professional, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as Board members. In such conduct, the Board members shall fulfill the responsibilities set forth in the Oath of Office.

  1. Board of Education members shall have commitment to the owners, the people of Jordan School District, unconflicted by loyalties to staff, other organizations, and any personal interest as a parent or guardian of a student.
  2. Board members shall avoid conflicts of interest with respect to their Board responsibilities.
    1. Board members shall annually, by the first Board of Education meeting in January or upon discovery, disclose to the Board of Education their involvements with other organizations, with vendors, or any associations that are or might reasonably be seen as creating a conflict.
    2. In compliance with Utah Code 67-16-16, Board members shall complete an annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement between January 1 and January 31 of each year.
      1. All Board members shall disclose in writing a response to items described in Utah Code 20A11-1604-6.
      2. The disclosure shall be posted on the District’s website and will remain on the website until the Board member leaves office.
    3. Board Members shall comply with Utah Code 67-16-6 and 67-16-7 requiring certain written disclosures to certain state and local officials if the Board Member:
      1. is ever involved with or has significant changes to involvement with any business entity that is subject to the regulation of the school district; or
      2. ever receives or agrees to receive compensation for assisting any person or business with any transaction involving the school district.
        These statements will be posted on the District's website until the Board member leaves office as required by these statutes.
    4. When the Board is to decide upon an issue about which a member has a conflict of interest, that member shall withdraw without comment, not only from the vote, but also from the deliberation.
    5. Board members shall not use their Board of Education positions to obtain employment in the District, or other advantages for themselves, family members, or close associates. Should a Board member apply for employment in Jordan School District, he or she must first resign from the Board of Education.
    6. Members shall not accept or receive, directly or indirectly, a personal financial benefit, or accept any gift, token, membership, or service as a result of a District purchase entered into or anticipated in the future, from any person, firm, or corporation.
  3. Board members shall recognize that authority rests with the Board only in official meetings and that the individual member has no legal status to bind the Board of Education outside such meetings.
    1. In all meetings, a majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and no action of the Board shall be valid unless such action shall receive the approval of a majority of all Board members present.
    2. Board members must follow all open meeting laws established by the current Utah Open Meeting Law.
    3. Individual Board members have no authority when interacting with the Superintendent or staff, except when explicitly authorized by the Board of Education.
    4. When speaking with the public, press, or other entities, individual Board members must recognize they have no authority to speak for the Board unless specifically authorized or to repeat explicitly stated Board decisions.
    5. When speaking as an individual, the appropriate title of the Jordan Board of Education member may be used.
    6. Except for participation in Board deliberation about whether the Superintendent or Business Administrator has achieved reasonable interpretation of Board policy, Board members will not express individual judgments of performance of employees of the Superintendent.
  4. When on social media Board members will:
    1. Clarify that they are speaking as an individual and not for the Board, unless they have been directed by the Board to act as the spokesperson. In such directed instances they should ensure that only items that have been addressed by and voted on by the Board are shared.
    2. Not post statements that make it appear they have already formed an opinion on matters that are before the Board.
    3. On seeking input on an item coming before the Board, not indicate they will take the majority response to form their vote.
    4. Ensure they only post items that have been shared in an open meeting.
    5. Be respectful of the privacy of students and employees.
    6. Be cognizant of the fact that a Board member’s posts may be subject to retention or disclosure in accordance with state public records laws or the District’s record retention policies.
    7. Not accuse by name or position a Jordan District employee of wrongdoing.
  5. Board members shall honor the high responsibility that Board of Education membership demands by:
    1. Thinking and acting always in terms of "students first."
    2. Understanding and accepting that the basic function of a Board member is "policymaking," not “administration."
    3. Ensuring that appropriate facilities and resources are provided for the proper functioning of the schools.
    4. Making policy decisions without submitting to political pressure.
    5. Representing the entire school community, not just the precinct from which the Board member was elected.
    6. Becoming well informed concerning the duties of Board members and proper functions of public schools.
    7. Ensuring that they are properly prepared to participate in Board deliberations.
    8. Exercising oversight on behalf of all students and constituents regarding District policy, goals, and programs.
    9. Refusing to discuss confidential business of the Board, including closed session items, anywhere but in the proper Board setting.
    10. Refraining from drawing harmful attention to an individual or a group associated with Jordan School District.
  6. Board members shall respect relationships with other members of the Board by:
    1. Making decisions only after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed.
    2. Respecting the right of others to their opinions and supporting the "majority rule" principle.
    3. Providing any prepared material for use during a Board meeting to all Board members prior to the meeting.
    4. Demonstrating respect for fellow Board members at all times.
  7. Board members shall maintain desirable relationships with the Superintendent and the staff by:
    1. Employing the best professional leader available as Superintendent.
    2. Giving the Superintendent full administrative authority for properly discharging the professional duties of this position and by holding the Superintendent accountable for desired results.
    3. Having the Superintendent present at regular and special meetings of the Board. On rare occasion, the Superintendent may be excused at the discretion of the Board.
    4. Referring complaints to the Superintendent and discussing such complaints at a regular meeting only after failure of administrative solution.
  8. Board members shall meet responsibilities to the community by:
    1. Appraising the present and future educational needs of the community.
    2. Communicating the goals and actions of the Board and District to the community.
    3. Insisting that all District business transactions be conducted on an open, ethical, and above-board basis.
    4. Vigorously seeking financial support for the schools.
    5. Involving the community in the schools and the educational process.
    6. Visiting schools and school functions regularly.
    7. Participating in community events.
  9. Board members shall strive to have meetings conducted in a businesslike manner with appropriate decorum through:
    1. Attending meetings and being prepared to participate.
    2. A well-planned agenda that is adjusted to focus on the Ends.
    3. Keeping discussion centered on the agenda and staying focused on Board business.
    4. Generally holding discussion after a motion and a second, with allowance for each member to speak on each issue.
    5. Balanced participation, with everyone participating and no one dominating.
    6. Sharing viewpoints in a clear, concise manner.
    7. Accomplishing work in an atmosphere of trust and openness, with respect and courtesy.
    8. Taking action at the policy level rather than the operational level.
    9. Monitoring policies to facilitate rigorous accountability and assurance of Superintendent performance.
    10. Supporting the Superintendent’s reasonable interpretation of applicable Board policies, or further clarifying Board intention by revising the policies.
    11. Making decisions based on information garnered from community input, both formal and informal.
  10. The Board will govern lawfully on behalf of students with an emphasis on strategic leadership for the future of Jordan School District through:
    1. Outward vision rather than an internal preoccupation or personal agenda.
    2. Encouragement of diversity in viewpoints.
    3. Strategic leadership more than administrative detail.
    4. Clear distinction of Board and Superintendent roles.
    5. Collective rather than individual decisions.
    6. Future thinking, rather than past or present.
    7. Governing proactively rather than reactively.
  11. Board members shall further meet the minimum standards for their elected office by:
    1. Annually committing in writing to abide by a Statement of Ethical Behavior.
    2. Completing Utah State Board of Education training on internal audits every two years, or when membership on the Board’s District Finance and Audit Advisory Committee changes, as required by USBE Rule R277-113-4-1.
    3. Completing during their first year in office, the Utah State Board of Education’s hotline training, as
      required by USBE Rule R277-123-7.

Revision history: 6/14/16, 6/8/2021, 10/29/24

Published on
  • Effective: 5/8/2001
  • Reviewed: 5/28/2013
  1. Board Directive
    The Board of Education is aware that occasionally employees provide or participate in private but public education-related activities outside of their public education employment.  The Board directs the Administration to set direction and parameters in policy which define when an employee is acting within the scope of employee duties with respect to school district activities, identifies when an employee does not represent the school district, and provides notice to employees regarding disclosure duties (Utah State Board Rule R277-107).
  2. Administrative Policy
    1. Definitions
      For purposes of this policy the following definitions apply:

      1. "Activity Sponsor" means a private or public individual or entity from which the employees of the school district receive compensation of any sort and in which public school students participate.
      2. "Extra-Curricular Activities" means activities for students that are recognized or sanctioned (but not necessarily sponsored) by the school or school district that may supplement or complement required programs or regular curriculum.
      3. "Private but Public Education-Related Activities" means an activity in which an employee participates and receives compensation from current or prospective students of the school district.  Such education-related activities include but are not limited to:
        1.     Tutoring
        2.     Lessons
        3.     Clinics*
        4.     Camps*
        5.     Travel Opportunities*
          Exempts those sponsored by Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation and local city recreation departments in agreement with Jordan School District.
    2. Employee Participation in Private but Public Education-Related Activities
      1. An employee may participate in a private but public education-related activity if the activity is separate and distinguishable from employment in the school district and does not interfere with performing the duty of employment with the school district in any way.
      2. In promoting a private activity, an employee may not:
        1. Contact any students at public schools except as stated in B. 3. of this policy.
        2. Use education records or information obtained through employment with the school district unless the records or information have been made available to the general public and the requirement of the Federal Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) has been met.
        3. Use school time and/or materials to promote, discuss, or prepare for the private activity.
        4. State or imply to any person or entity that participation in a private activity is required for any school program.
        5. Give or withhold credit based on participation in the private activity, including but not limited to clinics, camps, private programs or travel activities that are not equally and freely available to all students.
      3. In promoting a private activity, an employee may:
        1. Offer public education-related services, programs or activities to students provided they are not advertised or promoted during school time and consistent with the policy.
        2. Discuss the private activity with students or parents only outside of the classroom and the regular school day.
        3. Use directories that are available to the general public to identify prospective clients such as high school phone directories distributed or made available to the public.
        4. Use student or school publications in which commercial advertising is allowed to advertise and promote the private activity.
      4. A student, but not an employee, may submit a request for approval of school credit based on an extra-curricular educational experience under school district policies.  Credit(s) applied for any extracurricular educational experience must be earned from a fully accredited program as per Utah Code §53G-6-406.
    3. Directives Regarding Advertising of Private Activities
      The following directives apply to advertising private activities where employees are involved or affiliated in any way with the group, entity, association or company promoting or sponsoring the private activity:

      1. An employee may purchase advertising space to advertise an activity or service in a publication that accepts advertising, whether or not sponsored by schools in the school district or by the school district.  Such publications include school newspapers and yearbooks but not school newsletters.
      2. The advertisement may identify the activity participants and leaders or service providers by name, provide non-school telephone numbers, and provide details of the employee's employment experience and qualifications.
      3. Posters and brochures may be posted or distributed only at times and in areas of schools and school district buildings where members of the general public are allowed to do so.
      4. Unless the activity is sponsored by the school district, the advertisement shall state clearly and distinctly in bold lettering that the activity is NOT sponsored by the school or school district.
      5. Neither the school nor the school district shall be named in the advertisement except in connection with the employee's employment history or, if school facilities will be used under the school district public civic-center use policy.
    4. Parent Notice and Permission
      Prior to any travel or other activity listed in A. 3. of this policy, parents or legal guardians of all students shall be notified and the parents shall have signed a release of liability form.  This form shall be kept in the administrative office(s) of the school.
    5. Copies of Contracts Provided to School District
      The employee must provide to the principal at the school where he/she is employed a signed copy of all contracts between him/her and the private activity sponsor.  The employee who engages in any private but public education-related activity shall provide a signed disclosure statement to Jordan School District available from local principals.  (See also District policy AA409—Scope of Employment.)