Policy: BCA
School Board Member Ethics
As a member of the Lyme School Board, I will strive to improve
public education and, to that end, I will strive to:
Recognize that the School Board's function is the provision
of education and strive to maintain a balance between fiscal
responsibility and a commitment to quality education.
Uphold applicable federal and state laws and local ordinances.
Uphold and promote policies of the Lyme School Board.
Attend all regularly scheduled Board meetings, insofar as possible,
and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at
those meetings.
Recognize that I should endeavor to make policy decisions only
after full discussion at publicly held Board meetings.
Render all decisions based on the available facts and my independent
judgment, and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals
or special interest groups.
Preserve and protect the civil and human rights of all members
of the school community.
Respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged,
including all non-public session discussions.
Avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest.
Remember that at all times I am one of a team, strive for teamwork
and respect the four aspects of this role:
1) that School Board decisions can only be transacted at official
Board meetings,
2) that no member of the Board has individual authority and,
therefore, cannot make unauthorized commitments on behalf of
the Board,
3) that once the majority of the Board makes a decision in good
faith, it is the decision of the Lyme School Board, and
4) that as a Board member, one should not speak against any
majority decision which was reached in good faith.
Respect and encourage the expression of opinion by all Board
members, and seek systematic communications between the Board
and students, staff, and all members of the community; hear
fairly individual opinions and work in a spirit of harmony despite
differences.
Communicate to other Board members and the Superintendent expressions
of public reaction to Board policies and school programs.
Support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve
as school staff, and insist on regular and impartial evaluations
of all staff.
Remember always that my first and greatest concern must be the
educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.
ADOPTED: 11 November 1993
REVISED: 12 November 1998
