SOUTH BURLINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

POLICY B2

BOARD MEMBERS CODE OF CONDUCT

The Board commits itself to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as Board members.

Accordingly:

1)     Board members will represent the interests of the citizens of the entire school district.  This accountability to the whole district supersedes:

a.      Any conflicting loyalty a member may have to other advocacy or interest groups,

b.      Loyalty based upon membership on other boards or staffs,

c.      Conflicts based upon the personal interest of any Board member who is also a parent of a student in the district,

d.      Conflicts based upon being an employee or a relative of an employee of the district, or

e.      Loyalty to staff/school employees.

2)     Members must avoid conflicts of interest in accordance with the Policy on Board Member Conflict of Interest, Policy B1.

3)     Board members shall not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization.

a.      A Board member will not give the impression that he or she has the authority to make decisions or take action on behalf of the Board or the school administration.

b.      Members' interactions with the Superintendent or with staff must recognize the lack of authority vested in individuals except when explicitly Board authorized.  Except as expressly authorized by other policy or Board resolution, members will not give personal direction to any part of the operational organization or assume personal responsibility for resolving operational problems or complaints.

4)     Members will protect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature and other matters that may compromise the integrity or legal standing of the Board and district, including matters discussed in executive session.

Board members retain the right, like any citizens, to express their views as they wish.  However, they acknowledge that the way in which they choose to exercise this right can affect the Board’s ability to work together effectively to build trust among members and an environment conducive to effective governance and
interaction with the press, public, and other Board members.  The members of the Board aspire to:

a.      Focus on issues rather than personalities;

b.      Support the legitimacy and authority of the final determination of the Board on any matter;

c.      Exercise honesty in all written and interpersonal interaction, never intentionally misleading or misinforming each other;

d.      Honor the right of individual members of the Board to communicate with the community;

e.      Make every reasonable effort to protect the integrity and promote the positive image of the District and one another; and

f.        Never embarrass each other or the District.

Date Policy Warned:            October 10, 2007

Date Policy Considered:      October 24, 2007

Date Policy Considered:      November 14, 2007

Date Policy Adopted:           November 28, 2007

Signed:

Richard Cassidy, Chair

Theodore Manazir, Clerk

Carol Caldwell-Edmonds

Elizabeth Fitzgerald

Agnes Clift