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BYLAW 9271 9272
1st Reading 12/20/21 PC
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD
CODE OF ETHICS CONDUCT
Code of Ethics Conduct
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.
Board members and the Superintendent honor all national, state and local laws and
regulations pertaining to education and public agencies.
3. Board members and the Superintendent will help the community to understand the
importance of proper support for public education.
4. 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.
5. Board members and the Superintendent will always carry out their respective roles with
the highest levels of professionalism, honesty and integrity.
6. 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.
7. 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
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Board's policies.
8. 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.
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.
Board members will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools that, if
disclosed, might needlessly injure individuals or the schools.
9. Board members and The Superintendent consider and decide all issues fairly and
without bias.
10. Board members recognize that their responsibility is not to "run the schools" through
administration, but together with fellow Board members, to see that they are well run
through effective policies.
11. Board members 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.
12. Board members 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.
(cf. 2300 - Code of Ethics for Administrators)
ADOPTED: November 18, 1997
REVISED: January 14, 2020
REVISED: February 8, 2022
COLCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Colchester, Connecticut
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