Standards of Ethical Conduct for Instructional Personnel, Educational Support Employees, and School Administrators
Adopted Policies Establishing Standards of Ethical Conduct
In compliance with Section 1002.421(1)(n), Florida Statutes, Kingdom Tech Academy (KTA) has established the following policies for standards of ethical conduct, applicable to instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators. These policies are intended to promote professional integrity, student welfare, and a safe learning environment.
I. Purpose
This policy outlines the ethical standards required of all instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators at KTA, to ensure a professional environment that prioritizes student health, safety, and academic success.
II. Training Requirement
All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators must complete training on these standards annually. The training covers:
- Ethical responsibilities
- Reporting procedures for misconduct
- Legal protections under Florida law
Documentation of completed training will be maintained in employee records.
III. General Ethical Responsibilities
All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators must:
- Act with Honesty and Integrity: Perform duties in a transparent and responsible manner, fostering trust within the school community.
- Maintain Professionalism: Uphold high standards of conduct and maintain professional boundaries with students and colleagues.
- Prioritize Student Welfare: Ensure that the safety, health, and well-being of students are central to all actions and decisions.
- Maintain Confidentiality: Safeguard student records and sensitive information, disclosing such information only as required by law or in the best interest of the student.
IV. Duty to Report Misconduct
KTA requires all instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators to report any misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual misconduct
- Emotional or psychological harm
- Violations of professional boundaries
Legal Protections: Under Sections 39.203 and 768.095, Florida Statutes, employees who report misconduct in good faith are protected from civil or criminal liability. KTA does not tolerate retaliation against employees who report misconduct.
V. Procedure for Reporting Misconduct
- Immediate Reporting: Any employee who witnesses or has reasonable suspicion of misconduct must report it immediately to the Head of School or the designated compliance officer.
- Head of School: Rosse Mary Savery
- Email: admin@[email protected]
- Phone: (321) 574-1440
- Alternate Reporting: If the misconduct involves the Head of School, reports should be made to the governing board of the school. Reports can be made anonymously or with contact information for follow-up to [email protected]
- Investigation Process: Once a report is received, an investigation will be initiated immediately. Depending on the nature of the report, law enforcement or other external authorities may be notified.
- Disciplinary Actions: If misconduct is confirmed, disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Verbal or written reprimands
- Suspension or termination of employment
- Reporting to regulatory agencies, including the Florida Department of Education, as required by law
VI. Reporting of Child Abuse
In addition to the standards of ethical conduct, all KTA personnel are mandatory reporters under Section 39.201, Florida Statutes. Any knowledge or suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment must be reported immediately to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) via the Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
VII. Liability Protections for Reporting Misconduct
Under Section 39.203 and Section 768.095, Florida Statutes, individuals who report misconduct or child abuse in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability. Retaliation against any employee for reporting misconduct in good faith is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
VIII. Posting on Website
In compliance with Florida Statutes, KTA will post the Reporting Misconduct section of this policy on the school’s official website to ensure transparency and easy access for all stakeholders.
IX. Acknowledgment and Annual Review
All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators are required to acknowledge receipt of this policy and its ethical standards upon hiring and during annual reviews. This acknowledgment ensures that all employees understand and will adhere to these standards.
Contact Information: For questions regarding this policy or to report misconduct, please contact:
Head of School: Rosse M. Savery
Email: admin@kingdomtechacademy.com
Phone: (321) 574-1440