Ethics and Principles

Polk County Public Schools uses a combination of School Board policies, the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Professional in Florida, and the Ethics in Education Act of 2008, along with other resources to address ethics.

At Polk County Polk Schools, being ethical means:

  • Obeying laws, rules, and policies
  • Following the Code of Ethics, Principles of Professional Conduct, the Ethics in Education Act of 2008, and adhering to the district’s core values
  • Making mandatory reports of child abuse, bullying, harassment, etc.
  • Maintaining public trust

Core Value Statements

Polk County Public Schools has developed and adopted the core values and statements below in support of its mission statement. They serve to outline the aspirations and expectations of the professional and ethical interactions of those within the organization and all of its stakeholders.

Core Values
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Accountability We will work as a team to ensure student graduation, basing all decisions on relevant and accurate information.
Ethics, Integrity, Commitment, and Dedication We will hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, acting with honesty and integrity, while being dedicated to exemplary work.
Service We will model servant leadership that inspires trust and loyalty, embraces equity, builds confidence, and responds to the needs of others.
Dignity and Respect We will ensure a positive work environment in which all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Safe and Orderly Environment We will maintain a safe and orderly environment, with everyone on task at all times.
Learning, Improvement, High Quality, and Excellence We will foster a culture of continuous learning and personal development for all, recognizing and celebrating excellence, achievement, creativity, and diversity.

Ethics and Principles Resources

More Ethics Laws

The Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees

The Florida Commission on Ethics publishes the Guide to the Sunshine Amendment and Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, as contained in Florida Statutes and the Florida Constitution.

Ethics in Government

The Florida Constitution in Article II, Section 8, establishes provisions about Ethics in Government to safeguard the public’s trust.

Gifts and Honoria

The Commission on Ethics provides a summary of the Florida gift law for public officers, employees, candidates, and persons and entities providing gifts and honoraria to public officers, employees, and candidates. Please visit the Commission’s webpage about Ethics Laws for more information.

Lobbying

Florida law governs lobbying. To read more about lobbying, please visit the Florida Commission on Ethics’ webpage about Lobbyist Information. Additional information may be found on the State of Florida’s Online Sunshine webpage concerning Lobbyist Information plus an executive branch lobbying FAQ.