1711 - Code of Conduct Policy

Policy 1711

Form 1711F - Statement of Assurance

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Code of Conduct 

As a means of fulfilling its mission, the board requests each of its members to subscribe to the code of conduct adopted by the board as board policy. This code provides that each board member will: 

A. Be a staunch advocate of education; 

B. Uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations and court orders pertaining to schools. (Desired changes should be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.); 

C. Make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and strive for public schools which can meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, sex, creed, or social standing or disabling conditions; 

D. Evaluate all decisions so that the best service or product is obtained at minimal cost without sacrificing quality fiscal responsibility; 

E. Join with fellow members on the board, the staff, the community and the students in continuing study of the nature, value and direction of contemporary education in society in order to facilitate needed change in our schools; 

F. Work unremittingly to help the people of the community understand the importance of public education and the need to support it; 

G. Strive to ensure that people are accurately informed about our schools and try to interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its schools; 

H. Recognize that his/her responsibility is not to run the schools but, together with fellow board members, to see that they are well run; 

I. Confine his/her board action to policy making, planning and appraisal and help to frame policies and plans only after the board has given consideration to those who will be affected by them; 

J. Arrive at conclusions only after discussing all aspects of the issues at hand with fellow board members assembled in meeting; 

K. Recognize that authority rests with the whole board assembled in public meetings and make no personal promises nor take any private action which may compromise the board; 

L. Maintain independent judgment free of special interests and partisan political groups and avoid the use of schools for personal gain; 

M. Hold confidential matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools; 

N. Hold confidential from the public, including families and friends, all matters discussed in executive session; 

O. Vote to appoint the best personnel available; 

P. Support and protect staff in the proper performance of their duties; 

Q. Refer all complaints to the superintendent and act upon such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution; 

R. Keep safe all funds and other properties of the district; and 

S. Avoid acceptance of anything of value from any source which is offered to influence his or her actions as a member of the board of directors. 

Adoption Date:    October 11, 2005