9271 Code of Ethics

Colchester Public Schools
                          CABE-PROPOSED POLICY CHANGES
                                                                                      9271

                                                                 BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
                                    CODE OF ETHICS

As a guide to performing their duties, Board members should:

1.     Be an advocate of high quality free public education for all Connecticut children.
2.     As an agent of the state, uphold and enforce all laws, rules, regulations and court
       orders pertaining to public schools, and bring about any needed change only
       through legal and ethical means.
3.     Help create public schools which meet the individual educational needs of all
       children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, physical condition or social
       standing.
4.     Work to help the community to understand the importance of proper support
       for public education.
5.     Become informed about the nature, value and direction of contemporary
       education and support needed change in the schools.
6.     Serve as a communications link between the community and the schools,
       working to ensure that the community is fully and accurately informed about the
       schools, and that the school staff understands the aspirations and desires of the
       community.
7.     Recognize that a Board member's responsibility is not to "run the schools," but
       to see that they are well-run through effective policies.
8.     Confine Board action to policymaking, planning, and appraisal, and consult with
       those who will be affected by the Board's actions.
9.     Arrive at conclusions after fully discussing the issue at an open meeting, and
       abide by the principle of majority rule.
10.    Recognize that authority rests only with the whole Board assembled in a
       meeting, and make not personal promises nor take any private action that may
       compromise the Board.
11.    Never use the position on the Board for personal gain.
12.    Hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools that, if disclosed, might
       needlessly injure individuals or the schools.
13.    Ensure that all school business transactions be open and ethical.

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14.   Ensure that the best personnel available are appointed to all positions in the
      district.
15.   Refer all complaints through the proper "chain of command" within the system,
      and act on such complaints at public meetings only when administrative
      solutions fail.




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                               CABE SUGGESTED POLICY:

Code of Ethics
The success of every school system depends on an effective working relationship
between the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools and the community at
large. This code incorporates those standards and responsibilities most critical to
productive Board, Superintendent and community relations.

   1. Board members and the Superintendent ensure the opportunity for high quality
      education for every student and make the well-being of students
      the fundamental goal of all decision-making and actions.

   2. Board members and the Superintendent are staunch advocates of high quality
      free public education for all Connecticut children and will work together to help
      create public schools which meet the individual educational needs of all children
      regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, physical condition or social standing.

   3. Board members and the Superintendent honor all national, state and local laws
      and regulations pertaining to education and public agencies.

   4. Board members and the Superintendent will help the community to understand
      the importance of proper support for public education.

   5. Board members and the Superintendent recognize that clear and appropriate
      communications are key to the successful operation of the school district and
      that they must ensure that the community remains fully informed on school-
      related matters. In addition, they will work to help the community to
      understand the importance of proper support for public education.

   6. Board members and the Superintendent will always carry out their respective
      roles with the highest levels of professionalism, honesty and integrity.

   7. The Superintendent and Board members recognize that the Superintendent
      serves as the Board of Education's agent and will, in that role, faithfully apply the
      policies and contracts adopted by the Board. Board members recognize that
      their responsibility is not to "run the schools," but to see that they are well-run
      through effective policies.

   8. Board members adhere to the principle that they shall confine the Board's role
      to policy-making, planning and appraisal while the Superintendent
      shall implement the Board's policies.

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   9. Board members and The Superintendent both recognize that they serve as a part
      of an educational team with mutual respect, trust, civility and regard for each
      other's respective roles and responsibilities.

   10. Board members are committed to the concept that the strength of the
       Superintendent is in being the educational leader of the school district.

   11. Board members and The Superintendent practice and promote ethical
       behavior in the Boardroom as a model for all district employees. Board members
       will never use the position on the Board for personal gain.

   12. Board members will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools that,
       if disclosed, might needlessly injure individuals or the schools.

   13. Board members and The Superintendent consider and decide all
       issues fairly and without bias.

(cf. 2300 - Code of Ethics for Administrators)



Bylaw adopted by the Board: November 18, 1997
REVISED:                    January 14, 2020

COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Colchester, Connecticut




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