0050 Rev 9271B DRAFT 12202021

0050 9271B
First Reading 12/20/21 PC
                                                                                       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:

It is the policy of the Colchester Board of Education that the Board members will:

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

   2. I will, as an agents of the state, uphold and enforce all laws, rules, regulations, and court
      orders pertaining to public schools. I and 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 the 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.

        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.

       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. Conduct

   6. 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 the Board has consulted those who
      will be affected by its actions.




 CODE OF ETHICS                                                                 Page 1 of 2
   7. 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.

      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. Conduct

   8. 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. Other policy

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

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

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

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

   11. 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.

      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.
      Conduct

ADOPTED:      November 22, 1999
REVISED:      November 13, 2018
REVISED:      February 8, 2022


COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Colchester, Connecticut




CODE OF ETHICS                                                                    Page 2 of 2