By Dr. Ryan Wydra & Dr. Carl Dukes
In today’s schools, ethical leadership is no longer a preference—it’s a prerequisite.
As school leaders face increasingly complex decisions, a clearly articulated Code of Ethics provides the compass for promoting equity, accountability, and student success. This action research initiative, grounded in educational leadership frameworks, outlines the development and implementation of a building-level code of ethics for high schools in South Carolina.
Purpose
The purpose of this initiative is to create an ethics framework that:
- Promotes professional conduct and decision-making grounded in integrity
- Supports positive relationships across students, staff, and community stakeholders
- Prioritizes servant leadership and transparency in school operations
- Aligns with national leadership and educator ethics standards
As described by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (2015), ethical practice is a cornerstone of professional school leadership, influencing not just outcomes but organizational culture.
Key Components of the Code
The proposed Code of Ethics is structured around four foundational principles:
Professional Conduct – Upholding integrity, fairness, and adherence to district/state policies
Positive Relationships – Establishing trust through open communication and community partnership
Servant Leadership – Centering the needs of students and staff, and fostering growth opportunities
Stewardship of Resources – Ensuring transparency in the use of facilities, finances, and digital platforms
These principles are informed by the Model Code of Ethics for Educators (NASDTEC, 2015) and the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (2015), which emphasize student-centered decision-making and ethical responsibility.
Ethical Decision-Making Model
To guide consistent behavior across the school, we propose a five-step ethical decision-making process:
- Gather the Facts
- Define the Ethical Issue
- Identify Stakeholders
- Evaluate Consequences
- Make the Most Ethical Choice for All Parties
This model reflects approaches used in effective leadership development frameworks (Kentucky Educational Professional Standards Board, 2017).
Collaborative Development Process
The proposed action plan includes:
- Forming a diverse leadership team including administrators, counselors, teachers, and community members
- Hosting focus groups to gather input
- Drafting and revising the code through stakeholder feedback
- Presenting to the school board for final approval
- Providing implementation training for all staff
By involving diverse voices, this process ensures ethical standards reflect the lived experiences and values of the school community (Rhode Island Department of Education, 2018).
Why It Matters:
A well-defined Code of Ethics is not just a document—it’s a cultural commitment. It empowers school staff to lead with confidence, students to thrive in safe environments, and communities to trust the decisions made on behalf of their children. As schools continue to serve complex student needs, ethics must remain at the forefront of leadership.
