Teacher Gift Guidelines Under the Ethics Law

I have gotten a few questions as the holiday shopping season approaches asking, “So what DID the Alabama legislature decide about teacher gifts and the ethics law?” [No need to go over the history, but if you’re interested, you can Google “Alabama ethics law teachers gifts” for the full, sordid mess.]

Al.com reporter Rena Havner-Philips covered the story back in May, but it appears some could use a refresher.  HB466 was enacted as Act 2012-433.

On its face, it’s pretty simple:  teachers and other public school employees can receive gifts from individuals that are not more than $25 in value, with no more than $50 being received from a single individual in a calendar year.  So individual gift guidelines are clear.

But what about pooling funds to purchase a larger gift for the teacher or the classroom? Whether your school district will allow for pooling of funds to purchase a larger gift may vary by district.  I couldn’t find any online information about gift policies for teachers and other school employees, and you should contact your school’s principal or district central office for guidelines on pooling funds for classroom gifts.

If you find your school or district policy about gift-giving, please share it here or on our facebook page.

(Pic source: Paperlicious Designs)