Policy 5161

The La Center Board of Directors believes that a safe, civil environment of mutual respect and orderly conduct contributes to a quality educational environment. Conversely, uncivil conduct, similar to other forms of disruptive behavior, may interfere with an employee’s ability to accomplish their work and a school’s ability to educate its students.

The Board of Directors is committed to the core value of mutual respect for each person regardless of individual differences. The district expects this value to be manifested in the daily behavior of all constituents. When differences exist, stakeholders will use clear, concise, and courteous communication with the goal of arriving at a solution. Uncivil conduct on district property or at district-sponsored activities by school directors, staff, parents, students, volunteers, contractors, or visitors is prohibited.

 

Definition of Uncivil Conduct

For the purposes of this policy, “uncivil conduct” includes but is not limited to, the following:

• Using vulgar, obscene or profane gestures or words;
• Using insulting or disrespectful nonverbal behaviors toward or in connection with another;
• Taunting, jeering, or inciting others to taunt or jeer an individual;
• Repeatedly interrupting another individual who is speaking;
• Using personal epithets or slurs;
• Gesturing or behaving in a manner that puts another in fear for his/her personal safety, including invading the personal space of an individual after being directed to move away, physically blocking an individual’s exit from a room or location, or remaining in a classroom or school area after a teacher or administrator in authority has directed one to leave, or other similar disruptive conduct. 

“Uncivil conduct” does not include the expression of controversial or differing viewpoints that may be offensive to some persons, so long as (1) the ideas are presented in a respectful manner and at a time and place that are appropriate, and (2) such expression does not materially disrupt, and may not be reasonably anticipated to disrupt, the educational process.  “Uncivil conduct” also does not include regular supervisory-subordinate interactions, including but not limited to, corrective action, discipline, unsatisfactory evaluations, plans for improvement, or probation.

Expectations of Stakeholders (Board of Directors, Employees, Parents, Students, Volunteers, Contractors, and Visitors)

In support of this policy, the board of directors expects its members and all stakeholders to:

• Treat others with dignity and respect;
• Exercise reasonable, good judgment in handling interpersonal disputes;
• Refrain from use of abusive language;
• Model respectful problem-solving;
• Use clear, concise, and courteous oral and written communication to arrive at solutions;
• Practice civility in all conversations and behavior;
• Be respectful of others even when in a disagreement;
• Seek to understand others’ points of view and cultural perceptions.

  The accompanying procedure outlines steps to address uncivil conduct.

Legal References:
RCW 38A.330.100 Additional powers of board

Management Resources
2023 – April Issue

Cross References:
2023B – Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy
4200 – Parent Access and Safe and Orderly Learning Environment
4220 – Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs
5010 – Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action
5011 – Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited

Classification: Discretionary 4.23

La Center School District
Adopted: June 23, 2026