Answer

Only the Board of Ethics can determine if the purchase would be a violation of the Code of Governmental Ethics. Generally, public employees and their immediate family, which includes their spouse, may not enter into any transaction with the public employee’s agency. Ethics would have to determine if this general restriction or any exceptions applied based on the specific facts and circumstances. The school/school board should seek an ethics advisory opinion prior to carrying out any purchase from an employee’s spouse or other immediate family members. As to the procurement of the camera. Any procurement must comply with any applicable provisions of the Public Bid Law, i.e. if the purchase is $30,000 - $60,000, the school must obtain at least three quotes and document them in its files. If the purchase is greater than $60,000, the school must bid out the purchase and may not directly buy it from an individual/business. Further, if the purchase is made using the general operating funds of the school provided by the school board, the purchase must comply with any procurement policies required by the school board. If the purchase is made using school activity funds, the purchase must comply with the requirements of R.S. 17:414.3. The principal should also ensure that the funds utilized are not otherwise dedicated for a different purpose. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/18/2024 07:49:10 PM