PROFESSIONAL ADMINISTRATORS PRACTICES AND STANDARDS COMMISSION | PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS PRACTICES AND STANDARDS COMMISSION
NOTE: The commission will not accept unsigned or anonymous complaints from any party.
Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics for Administrators contains 15 statements which broadly cover decision making, conduct, and responsibilities for persons whose duties address operation of a school district.
Commission members believe it is important that all administrators be acquainted with the Code of Ethics for Administrators; therefore, copies of the code are sent with each new administrator certificate and renewal.
Commission Members
Complaint Procedure
The commission's executive secretary receives calls and correspondence on a broad spectrum of concerns about administration of South Dakota schools. The commission's priority is to direct these concerns to local resolution, if possible. However, when all avenues have been explored and the issue is still not resolved, a formal complaint may be filed. The respondent is always asked to provide the commission with a written response to the allegations.
Upon receipt of the complaint and the response, the commission holds a conference call meeting in order to take the following options under consideration:
When a hearing is held, opposing parties have the opportunity to present each side of the issue, with or without legal counsel. After the hearing is completed, one of the following actions may be taken:
The hearing process can, and does, result in positive outcomes. Problems which are identified and documented can be addressed by the commission in an effort to work toward needed changes and improvements.
Confidentiality Statements
All documents and correspondence from the Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission are considered confidential and are considered private. Privacy and confidentiality issues pertain to all parties involved pursuant to SDCL 13-42-14 and ARSD 24:11:04:04 which read:
SDCL 13-42-14. Private or public hearing -- Appearance and production of evidence -- Witnesses -- Record of proceedings. Such hearing shall be either private or public, as the teacher or administrator may elect, and the teacher or administrator shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel and to produce evidence thereat. All witnesses shall be sworn before testifying and the official conducting such hearing may administer the oath prescribed by law for witnesses in judicial proceedings. A record in writing shall be made of the proceedings and of all evidence produced thereat and shall be filed in the Division of Education Services and Resources upon conclusion of the hearing.
ARSD 24:11:04:04. Confidentiality of private hearing. If the formal hearing is private, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision of the commission are confidential and may be released to the complainant or complainants, the respondent, the members of the appropriate educational governing board, and the Secretary of the Department of Education. This section does not limit the commission's ability to issue a public reprimand.
The PAPSC can be contacted at the Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3553
Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission
The Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission (PTPSC) is composed of six teachers and one parent, appointed by the Governor. SDCL ยงยง 13-43-17 through 13-43-30 outlines the commission's authority, procedures and responsibilities. The Code of Ethics and its companion complaint procedure are contained in the commission's administrative rules, ARSD Chapter 24:08.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics for Teachers is made up of three sections: Obligations to Students; Obligations to the Public; and Obligations to the Profession.
The commission encourages parties to continue to work toward the resolution of their concerns through their local school district.
Complaint Procedure
Individuals who have concerns about a teacher are always advised to move through the local school district's complaint process first. However, formal complaints may be filed against a teacher when attempts to resolve the problem at the local level prove unsuccessful. Complaints must document areas of the Code of Ethics that are alleged to have been violated.
Upon receipt of a written complaint, the commission takes the following options under consideration:
When a hearing is held, opposing parties have the opportunity to present each side of the issue, with or without legal counsel. After the hearing is completed, one of the following actions may be taken:
Commission Members
Confidentiality Statement
All documents and correspondence from the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission are considered confidential and are considered private. Privacy and confidentiality issues pertain to all parties involved pursuant to SDCL 13-42-14 and ARSD 24:08:04.01:04: which read:
SDCL 13-42-14. Private or public hearing -- Appearance and production of evidence -- Witnesses -- Record of proceedings. Such hearing shall be either private or public, as the teacher or administrator may elect, and the teacher or administrator shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel and to produce evidence thereat. All witnesses shall be sworn before testifying and the official conducting such hearing may administer the oath prescribed by law for witnesses in judicial proceedings. A record in writing shall be made of the proceedings and of all evidence produced thereat and shall be filed in the Division of Education Services and Resources upon conclusion of the hearing.
ARSD 24:08:04.01:04. Confidentiality of private hearing. If the formal hearing is private, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision of the commission are confidential and shall be released only to the complainant or complainants and the respondent. However, at the discretion of the commission, such information may be released to the members of the appropriate governing body and the secretary of the Department of Education. This section does not limit the commission's ability to issue a public reprimand.
Meetings / Hearings
The commission's meetings may be held quarterly; more often, they are called on an "as-needed" basis when complaints, hearings, or other responsibilities must be addressed. Business is conducted through regular in-person meetings or by telephone conference call.
The PTPSC can be contacted at the Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3553
Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics for Administrators contains 15 statements which broadly cover decision making, conduct, and responsibilities for persons whose duties address operation of a school district.
Commission members believe it is important that all administrators be acquainted with the Code of Ethics for Administrators; therefore, copies of the code are sent with each new administrator certificate and renewal.
Commission Members
- Kelly Goldt-Chairman
- Michael Taplett-Vice Chairman
- Denette Becker
- Brian Heupel
- Beverly Rosenboom
- Christi Schaefbauer
- Julie Westra
- Michael Taplett-Vice Chairman
- Denette Becker
- Brian Heupel
- Beverly Rosenboom
- Christi Schaefbauer
- Julie Westra
Complaint Procedure
The commission's executive secretary receives calls and correspondence on a broad spectrum of concerns about administration of South Dakota schools. The commission's priority is to direct these concerns to local resolution, if possible. However, when all avenues have been explored and the issue is still not resolved, a formal complaint may be filed. The respondent is always asked to provide the commission with a written response to the allegations.
Upon receipt of the complaint and the response, the commission holds a conference call meeting in order to take the following options under consideration:
1. Dismiss the complaint,
2. Conduct and onsite investigation, or
3. Move to a hearing.
2. Conduct and onsite investigation, or
3. Move to a hearing.
When a hearing is held, opposing parties have the opportunity to present each side of the issue, with or without legal counsel. After the hearing is completed, one of the following actions may be taken:
1. Dismiss for lack of sufficient evidence presented;
2. Issue a private or public reprimand;
3. Put the administrator on a plan of assistance, to be implemented and carried out by the school board.
4. Recommend to the Secretary of Education that the certificate be suspended or revoked.
2. Issue a private or public reprimand;
3. Put the administrator on a plan of assistance, to be implemented and carried out by the school board.
4. Recommend to the Secretary of Education that the certificate be suspended or revoked.
The hearing process can, and does, result in positive outcomes. Problems which are identified and documented can be addressed by the commission in an effort to work toward needed changes and improvements.
Confidentiality Statements
All documents and correspondence from the Professional Administrators Practices and Standards Commission are considered confidential and are considered private. Privacy and confidentiality issues pertain to all parties involved pursuant to SDCL 13-42-14 and ARSD 24:11:04:04 which read:
SDCL 13-42-14. Private or public hearing -- Appearance and production of evidence -- Witnesses -- Record of proceedings. Such hearing shall be either private or public, as the teacher or administrator may elect, and the teacher or administrator shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel and to produce evidence thereat. All witnesses shall be sworn before testifying and the official conducting such hearing may administer the oath prescribed by law for witnesses in judicial proceedings. A record in writing shall be made of the proceedings and of all evidence produced thereat and shall be filed in the Division of Education Services and Resources upon conclusion of the hearing.
ARSD 24:11:04:04. Confidentiality of private hearing. If the formal hearing is private, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision of the commission are confidential and may be released to the complainant or complainants, the respondent, the members of the appropriate educational governing board, and the Secretary of the Department of Education. This section does not limit the commission's ability to issue a public reprimand.
The PAPSC can be contacted at the Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3553
Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission
The Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission (PTPSC) is composed of six teachers and one parent, appointed by the Governor. SDCL ยงยง 13-43-17 through 13-43-30 outlines the commission's authority, procedures and responsibilities. The Code of Ethics and its companion complaint procedure are contained in the commission's administrative rules, ARSD Chapter 24:08.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics for Teachers is made up of three sections: Obligations to Students; Obligations to the Public; and Obligations to the Profession.
The commission encourages parties to continue to work toward the resolution of their concerns through their local school district.
Complaint Procedure
Individuals who have concerns about a teacher are always advised to move through the local school district's complaint process first. However, formal complaints may be filed against a teacher when attempts to resolve the problem at the local level prove unsuccessful. Complaints must document areas of the Code of Ethics that are alleged to have been violated.
Upon receipt of a written complaint, the commission takes the following options under consideration:
1. Dismiss the complaint,
2. Conduct an onsite investigation, or
3. Move to a hearing on the issue(s) presented in the complaint.
2. Conduct an onsite investigation, or
3. Move to a hearing on the issue(s) presented in the complaint.
When a hearing is held, opposing parties have the opportunity to present each side of the issue, with or without legal counsel. After the hearing is completed, one of the following actions may be taken:
1. Dismiss the complaint and/or allegations for lack of sufficient evidence presented;
2. Issue a private or public reprimand;
3. Recommend to the Secretary of Education that the teaching certificate be suspended or revoked.
2. Issue a private or public reprimand;
3. Recommend to the Secretary of Education that the teaching certificate be suspended or revoked.
Commission Members
- Aaron Weaver-Chairman
- Patricia Benson
- Nancy Decker
- Thomas Keck
- Bev Kopren
- Rebecca Lamb
- Janet Metzger
- Patricia Benson
- Nancy Decker
- Thomas Keck
- Bev Kopren
- Rebecca Lamb
- Janet Metzger
Confidentiality Statement
All documents and correspondence from the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission are considered confidential and are considered private. Privacy and confidentiality issues pertain to all parties involved pursuant to SDCL 13-42-14 and ARSD 24:08:04.01:04: which read:
SDCL 13-42-14. Private or public hearing -- Appearance and production of evidence -- Witnesses -- Record of proceedings. Such hearing shall be either private or public, as the teacher or administrator may elect, and the teacher or administrator shall have the right to appear in person or by counsel and to produce evidence thereat. All witnesses shall be sworn before testifying and the official conducting such hearing may administer the oath prescribed by law for witnesses in judicial proceedings. A record in writing shall be made of the proceedings and of all evidence produced thereat and shall be filed in the Division of Education Services and Resources upon conclusion of the hearing.
ARSD 24:08:04.01:04. Confidentiality of private hearing. If the formal hearing is private, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decision of the commission are confidential and shall be released only to the complainant or complainants and the respondent. However, at the discretion of the commission, such information may be released to the members of the appropriate governing body and the secretary of the Department of Education. This section does not limit the commission's ability to issue a public reprimand.
Meetings / Hearings
The commission's meetings may be held quarterly; more often, they are called on an "as-needed" basis when complaints, hearings, or other responsibilities must be addressed. Business is conducted through regular in-person meetings or by telephone conference call.
The PTPSC can be contacted at the Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3553
