Book: G

Section: Personnel

Title: Staff Conduct with Students

Code: GBEB

Status: Active

Adopted: May 26, 2026

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STAFF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS

The Portland Board of Public Education (Board) recognizes that connection between teachers and students is essential for learning and student well-being. Student-centered and developmentally-appropriate interactions are encouraged as part of educational best practice. To nurture relationships in service of teaching, learning, and a positive school experience for all, the Board expects all staff members, including teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators and others, to maintain the highest professional, moral and ethical standards in their conduct with students. Staff members are expected to be sensitive to the appearance of impropriety in their conduct with students and former students who have not yet reached the age of twenty-two (22) (hereinafter referred to as “former students” for the purposes of this policy). For the purposes of this policy, staff members also include school volunteers.

The interactions and relationships between staff members and students and former students  should be based upon mutual respect and trust; and understanding of the appropriate boundaries between adults and students in an educational setting; and consistent with the educational mission of the schools.

It is understood that staff members and their children may interact with and have friendships with the families of students outside of school. This policy is not intended to prohibit such interactions and friendships, provided that professional boundaries are maintained at all times and that parents/guardians have knowledge of the interactions between a staff member and their child(ren).

A.  Prohibited Conduct

Examples of unacceptable conduct by staff members that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

• Any type of sexual or inappropriate physical contact or attempted sexual or inappropriate physical contact with students or any other conduct that might be considered harassment under the board’s policy on Harassment of Students;

• For non-guidance/counseling staff, expressly encouraging students to confide their personal or family problems and/or relationships. If a student initiates such discussion, staff members are expected to be supportive and also connect with the appropriate guidance/counseling staff for support. 
• Sexual banter, allusions, jokes or innuendos with students; and
• Disclosing personal, sexual, family, employment, or other private matters of a significant personal nature to one or more students.
• Taking photographs, videos or audio recordings of students for non-school related purposes
• Treating a student differently than other students by engaging in communication or behavior that violates school policies regarding professional boundaries, or that could reasonably be construed as persuading, inducing, or enticing the breakdown of professional boundaries. These behaviors include but are not limited to:
  1. communication with a student or former student on a non-academic and non-parental related matter(s)
  2. attempt(s) to isolate a student or former student
  3. giving gifts to a student or former student
  4. establishing or encouraging secrets with a student or former student
  5. engaging in behaviors or communications to reduce the risk of being caught, including threats and promises
• Engages in or attempts to: 
  1. gain access to a student or former student for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity; 
  2. persuade, induce, entice, or coerce a student or former student to agree to sexual activity.  

Before engaging in the following activities, staff members will review the activity with their principal or supervisor:

1. Inviting or allowing students to visit the staff member’s home
2. Visiting a student’s home, unless on official school business
3. Maintaining personal contact with a student outside of school beyond homework or other legitimate school business
4. Exchanging personal gifts (beyond the customary student-teacher gifts); and/or
5. Socializing or spending time with students (including but not limited to activities such as going out for meals or movies, shopping, traveling, recreational activities) outside of school-sponsored events except as participants in organized community activities
6. Driving students in personal vehicles. Policy EEBB- Use of Private Vehicles for School Business must also be observed in such a situation.

Staff members are encouraged to discuss issues with their building administrator or supervisor whenever they are unsure whether particular conduct may constitute a violation of this policy.

B. Reporting Violations

Students and/or their parents/guardian are strongly encouraged to notify the principal (or other appropriate administrators) if they believe a teacher or other staff member may be engaging in conduct that violates this policy.

Staff members are required to notify human resources promptly if they become aware of a situation that may constitute a violation of this policy.

C. Disciplinary Action

Staff violations of this policy shall result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Violations involving sexual or other abuse will also result in referral to the Department of Human Services and/or law enforcement in accordance with the board’s policy on Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.

Failure to notify promptly the appropriate building administrator or superintendent if they become aware of a situation that may constitute a violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

D. Dissemination of Policy 

This policy shall be disseminated to staff and volunteers by means determined by the Superintendent. This policy shall also be included in student handbooks. 

Cross Reference:

• ACAA – Unlawful Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students EEBB – Use of Private Vehicles for School Business
• GCSA/GCSA-R – Employee Use of School-Issued Computers/Devices and the Internet 
• Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 13025 (2023) & 22 M.R.S.A. § 4011-A (2023)