• You may submit a fraud report by using the online Fraud Reporting form. 

• "Theft"  is misappropriating or stealing of cash, OCPS assets including inventory, supplies and/or fixed assets.
   

• “Fraud” generally involves a willful or deliberate act or omission with the intention of obtaining an unauthorized benefit, service, property or something of value by deception, misrepresentation or other unethical or unlawful means. “Fraud” can be committed through many methods, including mail, wire, telephone and the Internet. Fraudulent, unethical and other dishonest acts may include, but are not limited to:
  • Forgery or altering district documents or computer records;
  • Falsification or misrepresentation of reports, including time sheets, travel reimbursement or other expense reimbursement reports;
  • Authorizing or receiving payment for time not worked;
  • Misappropriation of school district funds, property, supplies or other assets;
  • Unauthorized use or destruction of School Board records or property;
  • Impropriety in handling or reporting of money or financial transactions;
  • Engaging in activities that result in a conflict of interest; or
  • Disclosing confidential or proprietary information to unauthorized individuals.

• “Waste” includes the intentional or unintentional expenditure, mismanagement, or squandering of OCPS resources.
• "Waste"  also includes incurring unnecessary costs because of inefficient or ineffective practices, systems, or controls. 

• “Unethical Behavior" means any action by an OCPS official or employee undertaken in the performance of official duties, whether or not the action is within the scope of employment, that: 
  • Violates any federal, state, or local statute or rule;
  • Is an abuse of authority;
  • Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety; or,
  • Results in a gross waste of public funds or resources.

“Unethical Behavior” excludes personnel matters, including but not limited to, employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions, transfers, assignments, reassignments, reemployments, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals, suspensions, demotions, reprimands, or alleged violations of collective bargaining agreements.

• "Corruption" is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities such as bribery or embezzlement. Corruption occurs when an office-holder or other governmental employee acts in an official capacity for personal gain.

• A "violation of School Board Policies, Management Directives, or Regulations” means the act of willfully disregarding established OCPS policies, management directives, or State of Florida rules or regulations leading to potential consequences.

• A “conflict of Interest” is any situation in which regard for a private interest tends to lead to disregard of a public duty or interest. 
   

• OCPS takes all complaints and reports seriously. All allegations of improper activities or actions are thoroughly evaluated. The district will make every effort to conduct or cause to be conducted a thorough investigation of employees, contractors, or vendors as necessary and appropriate and in accordance with applicable laws, codes, policies, or regulations in a prompt manner after the report is received. You can assist us in our investigation by providing as much information as possible.
  
  Pursuant to the Florida Whistleblower's Act, contained in sections 112.3187-112.31895, Florida Statutes, certain individuals who report violations of are protected from retaliation for disclosing instances of theft, fraud, waste, unethical behavior, corruption, violation of School Board policies, management directives, or regulations, or conflict of interest. The name or identity of the reporting individual is confidential.
  
  Section 112.3188(2)(b), Florida Statutes, provides confidentiality for those records relating to the agency’s active investigation of a whistleblower complaint and is not limited to those records received as part of an active investigation of a complaint of retaliation. However, while the name or identity of the individual disclosing this information is confidential, the initial report of wrongdoing received by the agency is a public record, since that information was received before an investigation was initiated.

• If you believe that you have experienced an adverse action resulting from a report submitted through this process, you may report your concerns to Professional Standards.