A message from the Superintendent
Nov. 28, 2012
Dear Seattle Public Schools staff:
As we move through the third month of this school year, I want to share my thoughts with you on the direction of the culture of our District. There have been many changes and challenges in the past few years that have had a deep impact on all of you, and in some cases created concerns with the public as well.
My vision for Seattle Public Schools is that together we create a service-oriented culture of excellence that creates success for each student. That means one district, working together, not different regions or offices. The District exists for our students and is accountable to the entire city. We are all stewards of Seattle Public Schools’ resources: human, financial and physical. We must hold ourselves and each other to the highest ethical standards. If you see unethical behavior, it is important that it be addressed.
With this stewardship in mind, I’d like to remind you of some changes that have been made in the district in the past year that are improving accountability and transparency.
To strengthen internal controls and compliance, the District created the independent Office of Internal Audit in 2011 and hired Andrew Medina as the director. He reports directly to the School Board. In addition, the Board created a policy to exclude contractors who violate laws or do not comply with ethical practices.
Also in 2011, we entered into a contract with the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (SEEC) to create an active ethics program. The SEEC now serves as an independent “ethics officer” for SPS, reporting directly to the School Board. In this role, the SEEC independently receives and investigates complaints of violations of the District’s ethics policy.
To enhance the effectiveness of our ethics program, we are developing a strong Superintendent Procedure to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, to be issued in the near future.
Let me be clear. Seattle Public Schools values whistleblowers and will protect them. Retaliation of any type from any source against whistleblowers will not be tolerated and will result in visible and direct repercussions.
If you see an instance that you believe is retaliation against an employee for reporting misconduct, please contact SEEC at (206) 615-0091.
Training to date has included all central office staff, principals and assistant principals. Additional training will soon begin for other school-based staff to further discuss our ethics policies and procedures so we are all on the same page. The result will be an understanding of our individual and District-wide responsibility to practice good stewardship and maintain the highest ethical standards.
Seattle Public Schools has dedicated teachers, principals and staff. Together, we can ensure the District moves ahead in a positive, ethical way so our focus can be on helping every student succeed.
Sincerely,
José Banda
Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools
