Rules For Giving Gifts to Wilmington Teachers

It's the season of giving. But before you send your son or daughter to school with a gift for their teacher, make sure you know the rules of the season.

Wilmington Public Schools policies were developed by the Ethics Commission, and all schools in town follow the guidelines according to Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton.

The overall message of the rules is that a teacher or school employee may accept gifts from students, however, the value should not be more than $50.

If a teacher does accept an item from a student for less than that value, they must disclose it in writing only if, "based on the specific circumstances, a reasonable person would think that the public employee might unduly show favor to the giver or the giver's child, or be influenced by the giver."

There is a new exemption to the ethics guidelines dealing with group gifts. A teacher can now accept a gift or several gifts throughout the year from students and/or their parents that total $150.

Benton also addressed classroom holiday parties, something that not all schools in the area allow. Though teachers can host celebrations, a new Wellness Policy excludes food from all parties, according to the superintendent.