29 Aug 2005
DALLAS—Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinojosa Monday issued a memo to more than 19,000 DISD employees reminding them that ethical policies are in place in the district and there is an expectation that they will be followed.
The superintendent said that the district remains committed to the "Principles of Public Service," which include: performing duties with honesty and integrity; using public funds for the benefit of students and the public good; conducting business without prejudice and favoritism; and being a good steward of the public trust and resources.
In the memo, the superintendent wrote: "the Board of Trustees has adopted policies that give district employees direction and guidance in how to discharge their public responsibility in a manner that reflects high degrees of ethics and stewardship. The policies specifically state that all employees have a duty to avoid financial, business and other relationships, or any circumstances that could cast doubt on their ability to act with total objectivity with regard to the district's interest. Every employee in the Dallas ISD is responsible for understanding and complying with district policies related to ethics, including the letter and spirit of those policies."
The superintendent reminded DISD employees that expectations for high ethical standards from all district employees have been a part of district policy for many years, and those expectations have been reinforced over the past few years.
However, he wrote, "there are a few aspects of policy that apply to anyone who 'influences' buying decisions that are worthy of special mention."
Chief among them:
• Employees who influence buying shall not show favoritism or preference to anyone at the district's expense, and they shall not give or accept any favors. Those district employees shall refuse anything, other than an advertising novelty with a value of $25 or less.
• Dinners with suppliers and vendors, and any other forms of evening or weekend entertainment are almost always prohibited, and lunches with suppliers are not encouraged. Advance approval should be received from their respective supervisors before employees involved in the purchasing or buying process socialize with suppliers and vendors during lunch or evening entertainment, and there should be a legitimate business purpose associated with those events.
• Employees who believe they may have an actual or potential conflict of interest situation shall make a written report of the matter to their supervisor, which includes all pertinent details about the matter, and if it is not resolved, a report shall also be made to the general superintendent or designee.
The superintendent wrote, "Communication like this is not necessary for the overwhelming majority of district employees. As the new school year begins, all employees are hereby provided notice that strict compliance is expected with all district policies related to conflicts of interest, relationships with vendors, and ethical standards. The Principles of Public Service will continue to be a model for all employees in discharging their job responsibilities. Thank you for your attention to these important matters."