0050

Mission-Goals-Objectives

Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is based upon "Standards of Leadership for Members of Boards of Education" recommended by the CABE Board of Directors:

1.  I will be a staunch advocate of high quality free public education for all Connecticut children.  In fulfilling my responsibilities, I will think of "children first".

2.  I will, as an agent of the state, uphold and enforce all laws, rules, regulations, and court orders pertaining to public schools.  I will strive to bring any needed change only through legal and ethical procedures.

3.  I will strive to help create public schools which meet the individual educational needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.

4.  I will work unremittingly to help my community understand the importance of proper support for public education, whether it be in providing adequate finance, optimum facilities, staffing and resources, or better educational programs for children.

5. I will join with my Board, staff, community, and students in becoming fully informed about the nature, value, and direction of contemporary education in our society.  I will support needed change in our schools.

6.  I will strive to ensure that the community is fully and accurately informed about our schools, and will try to interpret community aspirations to the school staff.

7.  I will recognize that my responsibility is not to "run the schools" through administration, but together with my fellow Board members, to see that they are well run through effective policies.

8.  I will attempt to confine my Board action to policy-making, planning and appraisal, and will help to frame policies and plans only after my Board has consulted those who will be affected by its actions.

9.  I will arrive at conclusions only after discussing all aspects of the issue at hand with my fellow Board members in meeting.  I will respect the opinions of others, and abide by the principle of majority-rule.

10.  I will recognize that authority rests only with the whole Board assembled in public meeting, and will make no personal promises or take any private action which may compromise the Board.

11.  I will acknowledge that the Board represents the entire school community, and will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interests or partisan political groups.  I will never use my position on the Board for personal gain.

12.  I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to schools, which, if disclosed, might needlessly injure individuals or the schools.

13.  I will insist that all school business transactions be open and ethical.

14.  I will strive to appoint the best professional leader available when a vacancy exists in the chief administrative position.

15.  I will strive to appoint the best trained technical and professional personnel available, upon recommendation by the appropriate administrative officer.

16.  I will support and protect school personnel in the proper performance of their duties. I will strive to ensure that all personnel have not only the requisite responsibilities, but the necessary authority to perform effectively.

17.  I will refer all complaints through the proper "chain of command" within the system, and will act on such complaints at public meetings only when administrative solutions fail.

Policy adopted:  April 19, 2012

DERBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Derby, Connecticut

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION  

* Prior to the commencement of any public meeting of any board of the city, the agenda for said meeting shall be posted in the meeting room and the first order of business of said meeting shall be the entertainment of public discussion on any item on said agenda and the conduct, length, and method of terminating said public discussion shall be determined by majority vote of the members of said board of commission.