I am trying to get the board to adopt a Code of Ethics.
I found this one and have sent it to our the board for comment.
I would like to see other Codes of Ethcs from other boards and the proess they used to get them implimented. I am also in need of examples of Board Member Handbooks if your district has one.
CODE of ETHICS for School Boards
School board members shall abide by the following Code of Ethics for School Board Members.
I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Regents, State Department of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.
As a board member, I will conduct myself in a civil, courteous, and appropriate manner always.
To the best of my knowledge, I will disclose all perceived, potential, and existing conflicts of interest.
I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.
I will confine my board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
I will carry out my responsibility - not to administer the schools - but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are run well.
I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal (individual) promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.
I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of family or friends.
I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly inure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school.
When I vote at board meetings, I will do so after carefully considering the recommendations of the superintendent.
I will support and protect school personnel in the proper performance of their duties.
I will refer all complaints to the superintendent and will take the complaints to the board only after failure of administrative action/solution.
Joint Code of Conduct for School Boards and Superintendents
The success of every school system depends on an effective working relationship between the school board and the superintendent. This code emphasizes the most important goals and obligations of that relationship.
ASSURE the opportunity for high quality education for every student and make the wellbeing students the fundamental principle in all decisions and actions.
HONOR all national, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to education and public agencies.
REPRESENT the entire community without fear or favor, while not using these positions for personal gain and accepting all responsibilities as a means of unselfish service.
UPHOLD the principles of due process and individual dignity and protect the civil and human rights of all.
ADHERE to the principle that the board shall confine its role to policymaking, planning, and appraisal while the superintendent shall implement the board's policies.
ACT as part of an educational team with mutual respect, civility, and regard for each other's respective responsibilities and duties, recognizing that the strength of a school board is in acting as a board, not as individuals; and that the strength of the superintendent is in being the educational leader of the school district.
PRACTICE and PROMOTE ethical behavior in the boardroom and in the classroom.
MAINTAIN high standards and the effectiveness of education through research and continuing professional development.
CONSIDER and DECIDE all issues fairly and without bias.
INSTILL respect for community, state, and nation.
PROTECT the spirit and letter of all contracts until fulfillment or modification by mutual agreement.
INSPIRE and NURTURE the highest bond of ethics and integrity.
Replies
The members of the Board of Education of the Roxbury Central School agree to:
Insofar as possible, attend all Board of Education meetings and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings;
Maintain familiarity with education issues through study and participation in programs which provide needed information such as those provided by local and state school board associations;
Encourage the free expression of opinion on matters before the board by all Board members;
Render all decisions based on available facts and independent and unbiased judgment;
Encourage appropriate communication between the Board members and the school staff, students and community members;
Use the District assigned email account for all school-related business and not for any personal business;
Take no private action that will compromise the Board or the school administration;
Speak on behalf of the board only when authorized to do so; and
Respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable laws.
Also, we created a board member handbook a few years ago and tweak it as needed. I would be happy to share it with you at your school email if you wish.