1035                          CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS                        1035

The Board recognizes that collectively and individually, all members of the Board must adhere to an accepted code of ethics in order to improve public education.  The Board accepts the code of ethics established by the North Carolina School Boards Association.  In accordance with this code, each member of the Board shall commit to the following: 

            A.  Board Member Ethical Requirements

            The following considerations will guide each Board member in the performance of his or          her official duties:

1.  The need to obey all applicable state and federal laws regarding official actions taken as Board members.

2.  The need to uphold the integrity and independence of the Board members office.

                         3.  The need to avoid impropriety in the exercise of the Board’s and Board member’s official duties.

                        4.   The need to perform faithfully the duties of the office.

                          5.  The need to conduct the affairs of the Board in an open and public manner, complying with all applicable laws governing open meetings and public records.

              6.  Comply with G.S. 160A-84 by earning two hours of ethics education within 12        months of election or appointment to the Board.

            B.  Additional Board Member Commitments

            Each member of the Board commits to the following:

                        1.  Endeavor to make policy decisions only after full discussion at publicly held Board meetings, including committee meetings;

                          2.   Render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special interest groups;

                          3.  Encourage the free expression of opinion by all Board members and seek systematic communications between the Board and students, staff and all elements of the community;

                          4.  Work with other Board members to establish effective Board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the Superintendent;

                           5.  Communicate to other board members and the Superintendent expressions of public reaction to Board policies and school programs;

                           6.  Learn about current educational issues by individual study and through      participation in programs providing needed information, such as those sponsored by the State and National School Boards Associations;

                          7.  Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using the Board member's position on the Board for personal or partisan gain;

                          8.  Take no private action that will compromise the Board or administration and respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law; and

                           9.  Remember always that a Board member's first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.

Upon the effective date of this policy all existing Board members are expected to sign a code of ethics statement.  In subsequent years, upon taking office, all newly elected Board members are expected to sign a code of ethics statement.

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Legal References:  G.S. 160A-83, 115C-36, -47(57), -50

Adopted:  March 17, 2009

Revised:  July 21, 2009

Revised:  October 20, 2009