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ConfidentialityStudent records are confidential. All employees must respect the privacy of allindividuals in the performance of work responsibilities.Guidelines on Religious ExpressionThe Department of Education shall each year distribute for informational purposes to alldistrict school board members, district school superintendents, school principals, andteachers the entire guidelines on “Religious Expression in Public Schools” published bythe United States Department of Education.More information on this topic can be found at the following web d schools/prayer guidance.htmlIf you have any questions concerning this subject contact Conni Carnley, AssistantSuperintendent for Human Resources (850) 983-5030.Copyright PolicyAny use or reproduction of copyrighted materials will be done only with the writtenpermission of the copyright holder or within the bounds of “Fair Use” guidelines providedin the Copyright Act; otherwise, the individual responsible for use or reproduction maybe liable for infringing the copyright under existing laws. The School Board, in recognizingthe importance of the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17), United States Code,hereby notifies all employees that a willful infringement of the law may result indisciplinary action. In the case of a court action for damages, a finding of willfulinfringement would preclude the School Board paying any judgment rendered against theemployee and paying an attorney’s fees or costs which the employee would incur inconjunction with a lawsuit and may render the employee liable to the School Board forany damages which the School Board is liable to pay.Tobacco Free School District PoliciesSince January 1, 2000, Santa Rosa District Schools have been “Tobacco Free” per SchoolBoard Policy. To comply with the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act and to set a positive,healthy example for students, the use of any type of tobacco/nicotine products (bothsmoking, smokeless, and e-cigarette products) is prohibited in any facility or on any realor personal property owned by or under the control of the Santa Rosa County SchoolBoard.The following disciplinary actions apply to Santa Rosa County employees for noncompliance:1st offense issue a verbal warning2nd offense issue a verbal and written warning (maintain copy on file)3rd offense initiate appropriate personnel action11

Permission will not be granted to leave school property during regular work hours for atobacco/nicotine break.Effective July 24, 2014, Santa Rosa District Schools adopted a “Tobacco/Nicotine FreeHiring Policy.” To be considered for employment with the Santa Rosa County DistrictSchool Board, applicants must be a non-user of tobacco/nicotine products for a minimumof six months preceding the application as evidenced by a sworn affidavit. The employeemust re-affirm annually their status as a non-tobacco user with a sworn affidavit. Anyemployee who signs the Non-Tobacco/Nicotine Use Affidavit at the time of hire and laterviolates the Tobacco/Nicotine Free Hiring Policy will be subject to disciplinary action asnoted above.Drug Free WorkplaceThe Santa Rosa County School Board complies with the Drug Free Workplace Act of1988 and provides notice of such to all employees.YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that:The unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substanceand/or alcohol is prohibited in the Santa Rosa County School Board’s workplace and atall school related functions.In the event any employee of the Santa Rosa County School Board violates the aboveprovision, referral to the appropriate state and/or federal agencies, including local lawenforcement will be made, and the appropriate agencies will be requested to takeappropriate action. Further, in accordance with applicable state laws and/orregulations, disciplinary actions including suspension and/or termination and/or referralfor prosecution will be instituted by the Santa Rosa County School Board.As a condition of your employment with the Santa Rosa County School Board eachemployee will:Abide by the terms of the statement set forth in paragraph one of this notice, as well asthe School Board’s separate Drug Free Workplace Policy. Notify the AssistantSuperintendent for Human Resources, Santa Rosa County School Board, 5086 CanalStreet, Milton, FL 32570, of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurringin the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.Employee Drug ScreeningThe School Board of Santa Rosa County shall require all prospective employmentcandidates to submit to a drug screening. Confirmation of drug screen results must bereceived prior to the first day of hire. In addition, an employee may be required to submitto drug screening when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that he/she is under theinfluence of, or otherwise using a controlled substance, and any employee who incurs awork related injury or incident while on duty shall automatically be required to submit tosubstance abuse testing.12

Section I I IP rofessionalR esponsibility13

Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida6A-10.081 Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida.(1) Florida educators shall be guided by the following ethical principles:(a) The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth,devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democraticcitizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learnand to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.(b) The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and forthe development of the student’s potential. The educator will therefore strive forprofessional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment andintegrity.(c) Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’scolleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, theeducator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.(2) Florida educators shall comply with the following disciplinary principles. Violation ofany of these principles shall subject the individual to revocation or suspension of theindividual educator’s certificate, or the other penalties as provided by law.(a) Obligation to the student requires that the individual:1. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful tolearning and/or to the student’s mental and/or physical health and/or safety.2. Shall not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit oflearning.3. Shall not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.4. Shall not intentionally suppress or distort subject matter relevant to a student’sacademic program.5. Shall not intentionally expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment ordisparagement.6. Shall not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.14

7. Shall not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color,religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicappingcondition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall makereasonable effort to assure that each student is protected from harassment ordiscrimination.8. Shall not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.9. Shall keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course ofprofessional service, unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required bylaw.(b) Obligation to the public requires that the individual:1. Shall take reasonable precautions to distinguish between personal views and those ofany educational institution or organization with which the individual is affiliated.2. Shall not intentionally distort or misrepresent facts concerning an educational matterin direct or indirect public expression.3. Shall not use institutional privileges for personal gain or advantage.4. Shall accept no gratuity, gift, or favor that might influence professional judgment.5. Shall offer no gratuity, gift, or favor to obtain special advantages.(c) Obligation to the profession of education requires that the individual:1. Shall maintain honesty in all professional dealings.2. Shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin,political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition if otherwise qualified, or socialand family background deny to a colleague professional benefits or advantages orparticipation in any professional organization.3. Shall not interfere with a colleague’s exercise of political or civil rights andresponsibilities.4. Shall not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonablyinterferes with an individual’s performance of professional or work responsibilities orwith the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive,offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort toassure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.15

5. Shall not make malicious or intentionally false statements about a colleague.6. Shall not use coercive means or promise special treatment to influence professionaljudgments of colleagues.7. Shall not misrepresent one’s own professional qualifications.8. Shall not submit fraudulent information on any document in connection withprofessional activities.9. Shall not make any fraudulent statement or fail to disclose a material fact in one’sown or another’s application for a professional position.10. Shall not withhold information regarding a position from an applicant ormisrepresent an assignment or conditions of employment.11. Shall provide upon the request of the certificated individual a written statement ofspecific reason for recommendations that lead to the denial of increments, significantchanges in employment, or termination of employment.12. Shall not assist entry into or continuance in the profession of any person known tobe unqualified in accordance with these Principles of Professional Conduct for theEducation Profession in Florida and other applicable Florida Statutes and State Board ofEducation Rules.13. Shall self-report within forty-eight (48) hours to appropriate authorities (asdetermined by district) any arrests/charges involving the abuse of a child or the saleand/or possession of a controlled substance. Such notice shall not be considered anadmission of guilt nor shall such notice be admissible for any purpose in anyproceeding, civil or criminal, administrative or judicial, investigatory or adjudicatory. Inaddition, shall self-report any conviction, finding of guilt, withholding of adjudication,commitment to a pretrial diversion program, or entering of a plea of guilty or NoloContendere for any criminal offense other than a minor traffic violation within fortyeight (48) hours after the final judgment. When handling sealed and expunged recordsdisclosed under this rule, school districts shall comply with the confidentiality provisionsof Sections 943.0585(4)(c) and 943.059(4)(c), F.S.14. Shall report to appropriate authorities any known allegation of a violation of theFlorida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined in Section1012.795(1), F.S.15. Shall seek no reprisal against any individual who has reported any allegation of aviolation of the Florida School Code or State Board of Education Rules as defined inSection 1012.795(1), F.S.16

16. Shall comply with the conditions of an order of the Education Practices Commissionimposing probation, imposing a fine, or restricting the authorized scope of practice.17. Shall, as the supervising administrator, cooperate with the Education PracticesCommission in monitoring the probation of a subordinate.Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.795(1)(j) FS. Law Implemented 1012.795 FS.History–New 7-6-82, Amended 12-20-83, Formerly 6B-1.06, Amended 8-10-92, 12-2998, Formerly 6B-1.006, Amended 3-23-16.Using Common Sense and Good Judgment in the EducationProfessionI nteraction w ith Students1. Maintain a professional barrier between you and students. You are the adult, theteacher, and the professional: act like the expert, not like another one of the“kids”.2. Refer students to the appropriate resource person for counseling and/ordiscussions about personal matters.3. DO NOT flirt with students.4. DO NOT discuss your personal life or personal matters with students. DO NOTdiscuss your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, or dates with students.5. When transporting students, coordinate transportation ahead of time and useschool or mass transportation if possible. If necessary, call a taxi for thestudent. If you must transport a student in your personal vehicle ask a coworker to accompany you.6. DO NOT leave your students unsupervised, have an alternate plan of action.7. Avoid personal physical contact with students.8. Use verbal praise and reinforcement.9. Know your school policies, district and state laws governing corporal punishment.Establish and follow a consistent behavior plan. Treat each student with respect.Know the students’ rights.10. Chaperone only school sponsored functions. DO NOT socialize with students. Ifyou chaperone a field trip, put in writing what your responsibilities will be. DONOT drink alcoholic beverages in front of students. DO NOT takechildren/students home with you.11. DO NOT make telephone call, text, email, or write notes of a personal nature tostudents.12. DO NOT invite your students to be your friend on Facebook, Twitter or any othersocial network.13. DO NOT harass students; respect their differences. What you intend as humormay, in fact, be cultural bias or harassment.17

R ecord K eeping and Accounting P rocedures1. Know the laws, school board policies, and school rules and follow them. Knowyour rights.2. Know your school policies, district and state laws regarding collection of money,purchasing materials and equipment and follow them.3. Establish a policy regarding your grading system consistent with school anddistrict policies, where applicable. Give a written explanation of the policy tostudents and parents at the beginning of the year or when they begin your classor unit of instruction.4. Establish a policy regarding your behavioral management system. Give a writtenexplanation of the policy to students and parents at the beginning of the year orwhen they begin your class or unit of instruction.R eputation in the Com m unity1. Keep your co-workers and supervisors informed; work and communicate as ateam: plan and teach together.2. Communicate with parents and document your communication.3. Dress and act appropriately and professionally. You are a role model inthe community as well as in the school; be a good example for students.4. Use common sense and good judgment. Ask yourself how someone else couldperceive your comments or actions. Ask yourself if your comments or actionscould be taken out of context and/or misinterpreted.5. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you have to defend, explain,or justify your behavior or actions. Avoid putting yourself in a positionwhere it is your word against another person’s word.6. Maintain a professional reputation in the community. If you “party” be discreet.“A teacher affects eternity .he can never tell w here his influencestops.” Henry B. Adam s18

Reporting MisconductFlorida Statutes s.1006.061 states all employees and agents of the district school boardhave an obligation to report misconduct by an instructional personnel member or schooladministrator.If you are aware of professional misconduct you should report it to one of the following: School AdministratorAssistant Superintendent for Human Resources (850) 983-5030Director of Labor Relations & Compliance (850) 983-5389Florida Department of Education (850) 245-0438M isconduct that should be reported: Being alone with a student in the dark, a closed room or secluded areaBehaving in an overly friendly or familiar way or failing to maintain anappropriate professional boundary with a studentUsing forceful or unnecessary physical contact with a studentAdministering discipline not compliant with district policyAccepting or offering of gifts for return of a favor or privilege from students orcolleaguesBadgering or habitually teasing a studentMocking or belittling a studentChronically embarrassing a studentDisplaying prejudice or bigotry against a studentSuspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcoholFailing to properly supervise student or to ensure student safetyCheating, falsifying information or testing violationsRetaliating against a student or colleague for reporting misconductBantering or engaging in colloquial or slang communications with a studentDirecting or using profane, offensive, or explosive language in the presence ofstudentsThreats of violence towards employees or studentsMaking lewd or suggestive comments or overtures toward a student or colleagueFailure to report m isconductPossible penalties of instructional personnel or site administrators who fail to reportmisconduct may include: Written reprimandSuspension with or without payTermination of employmentDiscipline/Sanctions on an educator’s certificate19

Section I VP ersonnel P olicies20

Salary P aym entsThe salary of all ten month personnel will be annualized into 12 equal payments in orderto receive summer checks. Each member of the instructional staff shall be paid inaccordance with the salary schedule adopted by the School Board in compliance with theMaster Contract. The Instructional salary schedule shall be based on the degree level,and years of creditable teaching experience. All educational support personnel, includingpart-time employees, shall be paid in accordance with the salary schedule adopted by theSchool Board in compliance with the Master Contract.In order for instructional personnel to receive credit for an advanced degree, the degreemust:a. be reflected on an official transcript, (and)b. be from an accredited college or university recognized by the Florida Department ofEducation, (and)c. 1. be in an area of certification that is maintained by the teacher (or)2. add a certification area to the employee’s certificate based on the advanceddegree (or)3. be issued by a college of education (defined as Master’s/Specialist/Doctorate ofEducation), if not eligible for certification under c1. or c2. above.Santa

14 Holley-Navarre Primary 936-6130 Barbara Scott . 15 Holley-Navarre Intermediate 936-6020 Beth Mosley . 16 Holley-Navarre Middle 936-6040 Joie Destefano . It is the policy of the School Board of Santa Rosa County not to discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, religion, gender, age,