0050 Code of Ethics

0050
                                                                                         BYLAWS
                                                                          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 in 1977:

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.
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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.

Adopted: November 22, 1999

Revised: November 13, 2018

NSC




CODE OF ETHICS                                                                               Page 2 of 2