Policies - Section 2100 » 2111 - Board Member Ethics

2111 - Board Member Ethics

 
 
2111 Board Member Ethics 2111
 

In order to fulfill its duty under state law to provide education to pupils within the Milford School District, the Board adopts the following expectations for each of its members.

AS A MEMBER OF THE MILFORD SCHOOL BOARD, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH MY OATH OF OFFICE, I WILL STRIVE TO IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION BY ADHERING TO THE FOLLOWING EXPECTATIONS:
  1. Attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings, insofar as possible, and become
    informed concerning issues to be considered at those meetings.
  2. Understand that the Board, as governing body, does not manage the District, but
    rather sets the broad goals and standards for the District by way of policies adopted by
    a quorum of the Board at proper meetings under the Right-to Know law.
  3. Be informed about current educational issues by individual study and through
    information, such as those sponsored by my state and national school board
    associations.
  4. Make decisions and take votes based upon the available facts, the full
    deliberation of the Board, and my independent judgment, and refuse to surrender or
    subordinate that judgement to any individual or special interest group.
  5. Work respectfully with other Board members by encouraging the free expression
    of differing opinions and ideas.
  6. Seek opportunities for the Board to establish systematic communication channels
    with students, staff, and members of the community.
  7. Recognize that as a general principle the District and its students benefit when
    Board decisions, which have been made following consideration of all sides and vote of
    a quorum, receive the subsequent support of the whole Board, whenever practicable.
  8. Strictly respect confidentiality of information privileged under applicable law or
    received in confidence or non-public session.
  9. Recognize that individual Board members are without authority to act relative to
    School District business, and that I may not individually commit the Board to any action
    except as specifically designated to do so by Board action.
  10. Understand the chain of command and refer problems or complaints to the
    proper administrative office per applicable School Board policies.
  11. Work with other Board members to establish effective Board policies, and foster
    a relationship with the District administration toward the effective implementation of
    those policies and management of the District operations, personnel and facilities.
  12. Communicate to the Superintendent and to the Board (only as consistent with the
    Right-to-Know law) expressions of public reaction to Board programs, policies and other
    Board actions.
  13. Present personal criticisms concerning District operations, staff, etc. to the
    Superintendent, not to District staff, the public, or unnecessarily at a Board meeting.
  14. Support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school staff,
    and insist on a regular and impartial evaluation of all staff.
 
Legal References:
189:1-a "Duty to Provide Education";
RSA 189:1 "Days of School"
Adopted: 12/2019