PSS officials reminded of ethics code

The Public School System has issued a reminder to all its officials, including the Commissioner, administrative staff and school principals, of their Code of Ethics and the standards of behavior that they must adhere to.

PSS associate commissioner for administrative services David M. Borja said the memo, which they got last week, reminds them of the standards they should follow such as attire in the work place and how they should conduct themselves in person.

“The memo only reminds [us] to maintain our educational philosophy at a high degree of professionalism,” Borja said.

The reminder was also taken up during last week’s principals’ meeting at the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning Center at the Marianas High School.

Borja said the memo required administrators and principals to sign the document, which would then be included in their personal file.

The CNMI PSS Administrators’ Code of Ethics is divided into six sections. The first section deals with the administrators’ personal behavior and deportment, including making the well-being of students the basis in making decisions and actions. The administrators are expected to uphold the integrity of their positions by not engaging in any activities for personal gains.

The second section focuses on the school’s financial and resource allocation. The Code of Ethics says “PSS administrators shall conduct with the highest level of honesty, accuracy and responsibility in the use and allocation of all funds.

“PSS administrators shall maintain integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or business by not accepting gifts, gratuities and favor,” reads part of the Code of Ethics.

On intellectual and freedom of expression, PSS administrators, in collaboration with teachers, should strive to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society.

PSS officials and administrators, in line with professional development and advancement, should uphold the PSS’ certification requirements and must promote and support continuous learning for administrators, teachers and other personnel.

The school administrators must be objective when it comes to evaluation of their staff. They should also strive to employ and maintain “highly qualified personnel” at PSS.

On their relationship to the community, the school system and the board, the administrators are expected to establish programs that will involve representatives of all segments of the community in decision-making and shared responsibility. PSS must maintain a safe and orderly environment.