PROFESSIONAL CULTURE

The Smithfield School District believes that mutual respect between and among administrators, managers, employees, co-workers and supervisors is integral to the efficient conduct of the schools. The District believes that all schools need to be orderly, peaceful environments where a high-quality education can take place in a safe, caring, professional, and respectful manner.

The District expects civility from all employees. Mutual respect, professionalism, and common courtesy are essential qualities that all employees need to demonstrate to provide an educational and work environment free from disruptions, harassment, bullying, and aggressive actions. Concerns that are shared in a hostile manner through the use of abusive language, insults, threats, badgering, loud discourse or through public forums including social media will not be tolerated.

Smithfield Public Schools will not tolerate behavior that leads to a hostile environment, including offensive, humiliating, and undermining behavior towards an individual or groups of employees. A supervisor providing critical feedback or redirection to a subordinate does not fall into this category unless the method used is offensive and/or humiliating. All employees are expected to discuss issues with colleagues in the proper environment and only with those involved in the situation. Sharing negative information with others outside of the situation is not professional or appropriate. Employees who engage in this conduct towards others will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.

The Smithfield School District has a chain of command that enforces responsibility and accountability so that everyone knows whom they should report to and what duties are expected at each occupational level. There are many staff members in our District on different levels who have unique obligations to fulfill. Staff are encouraged to communicate issues or clarification of policy with colleagues in a cordial and respectful manner, following the chain of command.

Employees who believe they are subject to inappropriate behavior should raise their concerns with their administrator, manager or supervisor as soon as possible.

ADOPTED: December 16, 2019