The Cobb County School District (District) expects its employees to protect the health, safety and general welfare of students and fellow employees. The District seeks to ensure the citizens of Cobb County a degree of accountability within the education profession and to help define unethical conduct justifying disciplinary action.

RULE:

A. CODE OF ETHICS:
The District recognizes teaching as a profession and adopts the Code of Ethics for Educators (Code) promulgated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
    1. Certified Employees:
        The District recognizes that the Code sets appropriate standards for certified
        employees and the District expects adherence to the Code by all certified employees.
    2. Classified Employees:
        The District recognizes that the Code also sets appropriate standards for classified
        employees and the District expects adherence to the Code by all classified employees.

B. GENERAL PROVISIONS:
    1. Notification:
        a. Employees shall notify Internal Audit of fraud or other prohibited actions as
            provided in Administrative Rule DIEA (Audits: Fraud and Other Corrupt/Illegal
            Conduct).
        b. Self-reporting:
            (1) Arrest:
                  All employees of the District are required to notify their immediate supervisor
                  and the Employee Relations Office by the end of the next business day
                  following their arrest. The term ARREST shall include physical arrest by law
                  enforcement and/or any charges filed against the employee not resulting in a
                  physical arrest.

            (2) Drivers License/Traffic Citations:
                  Any employee that operates a District vehicle is required to notify his/her
                  immediate supervisor and the Employee Relations Office at the beginning of the
                  next business day following either of the following events:
                  (a) The employee receives a traffic citation or
                  (b) The employee’s drivers license is suspended, restricted or revoked for any
                        reason, whether the incident resulting in the suspension, restriction or
                        revocation occurred on personal time or during work hours.
    2. Conflict of Interest:
        District employees are public employees. As such, they have the responsibility to
        uphold the public trust and to refrain from using their positions for private benefit.
        Therefore, the following provisions apply to all employees:
        a. Disclosure:
            Board Policy BCB (Conflict of Interest) contains specific, annual reporting
            requirements for all employees.
        b. Solicitation:
            (1) The soliciting of sales or services, the advertisement of products, or the
                 endorsement of one product over another by District employees in their
                 relations with students, parents/guardians or employees is prohibited.
            (2) The provisions of Administrative Rule KH (Solicitation and Advertising on
                 School Property) apply to employees as well as other persons, firms,
                 corporations, or businesses.
        c. Personal Gain:
            Employees shall refrain from the exploitation of relationships with students,
            colleagues, educators, parents, school patrons, businesses or Board of Education
            members for personal gain or private advantage.
    3. Job Requirements:
        Employees shall fulfill the primary function and all requirements as stated in their job
        description (Administrative Rule GBO [Job Descriptions]) and as assigned by their
        immediate supervisor.

Reclassified an Administrative Rule: 9/1/04
Revised: 3/14/07; 8/8/07