MISD Standards of Ethics

It is the intent of McKinney ISD that the following ethical principles govern the conduct of every employee involved, directly or indirectly, in the District’s procurement process.  Taking ownership and being responsible for our actions is essential to preserve the public’s trust and protect the public interest.  Guiding principles are as follows:

  • Avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practice in relationships, actions, and communications.

  • Demonstrate loyalty to the District by diligently following the lawful instructions, procedures and policies using reasonable care while exercising only the authority which has been delegated to you.

  • Avoid any private business or professional activity that would create a conflict between personal interest and the interests of the District.  If conflicts of interest exist, the employee shall notify the Purchasing Director and remove him or herself from the District procurement process.

  • Give prompt and courteous attention to all District staff and legitimate business representatives.

  • Work to identify and implement strategies and techniques that will preserve the integrity of the department while enhancing the level of service provided by the department.

  • Remain open, fair, impartial, and non-discriminatory in all processes.

  • Handle confidential or proprietary information with proper care and attention.

  • Promote positive vendor relationships through courtesy and impartiality.

  • Refrain from soliciting or accepting money, loans, credits, discounts, gifts, entertainment, favors or services from present or potential vendors.

  • Know and obey the laws governing the purchasing function and remain alert to the legal consequences of all purchasing decisions.

  • Continually develop professional skills through education, experience, mentorship, and partnerships.

Common Standards of Ethics

References: FASRG 5.2.2, TEC §44.032, Tx. Loc. Gov't Code Chapter 171, Chapter 176, Tx. and §271.029, Tx. Gov't Code §2155.062(d), Tx. Penal Code Chapter 36

Personal Gain
It is a breach of ethics to attempt to realize personal gain through public employment with a school district by any conduct inconsistent with the proper discharge of the employee's duties.

Influence
It is a breach of ethics to attempt to influence any public employee of a school district to breach the standards of ethical conduct set forth in this code.

Financial Interest
It is a breach of ethics for any employee of a school district to participate directly or indirectly in a procurement when the employee knows that:

  • the employee or any member of the employee's immediate family has a financial interest pertaining to the procurement;

  • a business or organization in which the employee, or any member of the employee's immediate family, has a financial interest pertaining to the procurement; or

  • any other person, business, or organization with whom the employee or any member of the employee's immediate family is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment is involved in the procurement.

Gratuities and Offers of Employment
It is a breach of ethics to offer, give, or agree to give any employee or former employee of a school district, or for any employee or former employee of a school district to solicit, demand, accept, or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a program requirement or purchase request, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing, or in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling, determination, claim, or controversy, or other particular matter pertaining to any program requirement or a contract or subcontract, or to any solicitation or proposal therefore pending before this government. Acceptance of gratuities may be construed as a criminal offense.

It is a breach of ethics for any payment, gratuity, or offer of employment to be made by or on behalf of a subcontractor under a contract to the prime contractor or higher tier subcontractor for any contract of a school district, or any person associated therewith, as an inducement for the award of a subcontract or order.

The prohibition against gratuities and kickbacks prescribed above should be conspicuously set forth in every contract and solicitation therefore.

Confidential Information
It is a breach of ethics for any employee or former employee of a school district knowingly to use confidential information for actual or anticipated personal gain, or for the actual or anticipated gain of any person.

The Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 176, provides information regarding conflict of interest statements to be filed by vendors and certain school district employees.

If a school district board member or other official has a substantial interest (Tx. Local Gov't Code, Chapter 171) in a procurement, that person shall abstain from discussion and decisions regarding the award of the procurement contract. In addition, the board member should disclose this substantial interest by filing an affidavit with the district.