Employee Ethical Standards & Mandatory Reporting

Standards of Ethical Conduct
Countryside Christian Academy
Adopted: May 2026

Countryside Christian Academy is committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and Christ-centered environment for all students. We have adopted the following Standards of Ethical Conduct for all educational support employees, instructional personnel, and school administrators (as defined in s. 1012.01, F.S.).

Principles of Ethical Conduct

(Adapted from the Florida State Board of Education’s Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct)

1. The educator values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

2. The educator’s primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. The educator will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

3. Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of other members of the community, the educator strives to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.

Training Requirement

All educational support employees, instructional personnel, and school administrators must complete training on these Standards of Ethical Conduct. Training will be provided annually (or upon hire) and documented by the school.

Duty to Report Misconduct

All employees have a duty to report any alleged misconduct by educational support employees, instructional personnel, or school administrators that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student.

Examples of Misconduct

Inappropriate communication or relationships with students, sexual misconduct or innuendo, use of drugs or alcohol on campus or during school activities, physical aggression or abuse, disparaging/demeaning/abusive language, boundary violations, or other unethical behavior.

Procedures for Reporting

Reports of suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect must be made immediately (or as soon as reasonably possible) directly to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Reports do not have to go through the school first.

Reports of other misconduct affecting student health, safety, or welfare should be made to the designated school contacts below. You may also report directly to law enforcement if appropriate.

School Contacts for Reporting:
Crystal Mascaro, Head of School — Phone: 727-437-0090
Glenn Davis, Lead Pastor — Phone: 727-799-1618

If the report involves the Head of School, direct it to the school’s governing board or appropriate authority.

How to Report Abuse

Be prepared to provide specific descriptions of the incident(s).
Report Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
Report Online: https://www.floridaabusehotline.gov
Emergency: Call 911

Employee Liability Protections

Employees who report suspected misconduct or child abuse in good faith are protected from liability under Florida law (ss. 39.203 and 768.095, F.S.). No employee will face retaliation for making a good-faith report.

Prohibition on Confidentiality Agreements

Countryside Christian Academy prohibits confidentiality agreements with any employee (educational support, instructional personnel, or administrator) who is dismissed, terminated, or resigns in lieu of termination due to misconduct that affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. The school will not provide employment references or discuss performance with prospective educational employers without disclosing such misconduct. Any agreement attempting to conceal such misconduct is void and against public policy.

Failure to Report

Failure to report suspected abuse or misconduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may be reported to appropriate state authorities.

State of Florida Required Notices:

Mandatory Abuse Reporting Poster
Educator Misconduct Reporting Poster
Florida Department of Education Reporting Information