Board Policy GAJ: Gifts

1. GIFTS TO EMPLOYEES

Employees shall not directly or indirectly solicit or accept or knowingly allow others or any business organization in which he or she is associated to solicit or accept any gift, favor, loan, political contribution, service, promise of future employment, or any other thing of value from any person, corporation, or other entity doing business with or attempting to do business with the DeKalb County School District, except as provided below in the exemptions This policy cannot predict every possible set of conditions. In all cases employees are required to take the course of action that avoids an actual or reasonably perceived conflict of interest.

Gifts to District employees by pupils or patrons shall not be required or expected. Letters of appreciation from individuals and resolutions expressing gratitude from organizations are in most cases more appropriate than material gifts. Such expressions may be considered as a basis for recognition of personnel of the school system who have rendered meritorious service.

EXEMPTIONS:

For purposes of this section, a gift, favor, loan, political contribution, service, promise of future employment, or any other thing of value shall not include the following items:

1. Food or beverage consumed at an occasional meal or event, or associated with normal and customary business or social functions or activities;

2. Legitimate salary, benefits, fees, commissions, or expenses associated with a District employee’s nonpublic business, employment, trade, or profession (“nonpublic business”), provided that such nonpublic business is disclosed to the Chief Human Capital Management Officer, the Purchasing Department and immediate supervisor in writing (see Board Policy: GAG) no more than 10 business days after the commencement of such nonpublic business and no later than May 1st of each year thereafter. Disclosure shall be required only if the nonpublic business does business with or could reasonably be expected to do business with the District;

3. A non-monetary award, plaque, certificate, memento, or similar item given to a District employee in recognition of his or her civic, charitable, political, professional, or public service;

4. Actual and reasonable expenses for food, beverages, travel, lodging, and meeting registration from a current vendor to permit a District employee to attend such meeting on behalf of the District, provided that such expenses/reimbursements are disclosed to the Chief Human Capital Management Officer, the Purchasing Department, and the immediate supervisor in writing no more than 10 business days after the employee learns that he/she will receive such expenses;

5. Any gift with a value of less than $100.00;

6. Promotional items generally distributed to the general public or to District employees’;

7. A gift to a District employee from that employee’s immediate family; or

8. The giving and accepting of incentives, awards, and appreciation gifts between schools/District employees and businesses, which have a formal relationship under a sponsored DeKalb Public School District foundation or other similar programs.

This policy shall not prevent employees from working in fund-raising activities for community and civic groups in their personal capacities.

Any employee that has made a written disclosure pursuant to paragraphs A(2) and A(4) shall have an affirmative duty to recuse themselves from consideration or evaluation of any business proposal submitted to the District by any entity related to such written disclosure.

1. SOLICITATION

District employees shall not be placed under pressure to participate in school, departmental, or District solicitation. No person shall approach, advise, or lead any subordinate into expecting that they should give in any solicitation effort.

Personnel of the District are not permitted to accept or purchase from a student in the District any materials or substances, consumable or non-consumable, which are against school rules and regulations for the student to have in possession on school property or at a school-sponsored activity.

1. VIOLATIONIf an employee wishes to report an alleged violation, he or she should contact the Office of Office of Legal Affairs. Employees who perform this reporting function in good faith will not be subject to any reprisal. Further, an alleged violation of this policy is cause for an immediate investigation by the District. If it is determined that an employee has violated this policy, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, termination. Violation of this policy by an entity doing business with or attempting to do business with the District shall subject such entity to being barred from further business relationships with the District.