No District employee or Board member shall accept personal gifts, commissions or expense-paid trips from individuals or companies selling equipment, materials or services required in the operation of District programs.  Gifts include any gift purchased specifically for an employee which is not generally offered to other buyers.

This policy does not prohibit employees from accepting promotional or advertising items such as calendars, desk pads, notebooks and other office gadgets which are offered by business concerns free to all as part of their public relations programs.

No District employee or Board member shall transact proprietary business with the District that directly or indirectly results in gain or profit to themselves unless approved in advance by the Superintendent.

District employees who work for or serve as consultants for potential vendors shall not participate in evaluating any equipment, materials or services of that vendor or its competitors.

(cf.6161.1 – Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials)
(cf.9270 – Conflict of Interest)

This policy does not prohibit the Board from accepting materials and/or services which are of use and benefit to the District.

Universal Service Program/E-Rate Vendors

The District takes advantage of federal technology funding through the universal service program known as E-rate.  E-rate participants may not, at any time, solicit or accept gifts or other things of value from an existing or potential E-rate service provider.  Nominal gifts and refreshments may be allowed as authorized by the Superintendent. 

E-rate gift prohibitions apply to the School Board and to employees, consultants or contractors involved in the District’s E-rate Program who: prepare, approve, sign, or submit E-rate applications, technology plans or other E-rate forms; prepare bids, communicate, or work with E-rate service providers, E-rate consultants, or the Universal Service Administrative Company; and those responsible for monitoring compliance with the E-rate program.   

Charitable donations by service providers in support of the schools are permitted.  These contributions may not be directly or indirectly related to E-rate procurement activities or decisions.  

The Superintendent shall develop guidelines to implement this policy in compliance with E-rate program rules. 

(cf. 3290 – Gifts, Grants and Bequests)

Legal Reference:

ALASKA STATUTES
11.56.100-56.130:  Bribery and related offenses