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Book Policy Manual
Section 9000 - ByLaws
Title Code of Conduct
Code 9272
Status Second Reading
Adopted November 18, 1997
Last Revised March 8, 2022
Prior Revised 01/14/2020;
Dates
CODE OF 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.
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 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.
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.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS
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 consider and decide all issues fairly and
without bias.
It is the policy of the Colchester Board of Education (the “Board”) that all members of the Board will:
1. adhere to all Board policies, rules and regulations;
2. conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner;
3. refrain from interfering with the implementation of a Board policy decision by the
administration;
4. refrain from interfering with the duties of any school district official;
5. refrain from divulging to anyone any aspect of matters considered and discussed in
executive session; and
6. insist that all school business transactions be open and ethical.
Each member of the Board shall act in complete accordance with the provisions and tenor of this policy.
Should any member of the Board fail to so act, such failure shall constitute cause for censure or other
such disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Board.
Procedures for Censure or Other Disciplinary Action
The following procedures shall be used in lieu of any procedures set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order with
respect to any proposed action to censure or take other disciplinary action regarding a Board member
for cause:
1. The Board shall review the performance and/or conduct of the Board member in open or
executive session (as determined by the Board and the Board member in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act) at a regular or special meeting of the Board, prior to initiating
any action to censure or take other disciplinary action regarding a Board member for cause.
2. If the Board determines as a result of such discussion that censure or other disciplinary action
concerning a Board member may be appropriate, the Board shall provide the Board member
with:
a. reasonable written notice of the Board’s intent to consider censure or other disciplinary
action, including the factual basis for the claimed ”cause” for the censure or disciplinary
action against the member, with such notice to be provided after being authorized by
majority vote of those Board members present and voting; and
b. an informal opportunity to be heard by the Board regarding such possible censure or other
disciplinary action, at which the Board member shall have the right to be represented by
counsel at the Board member’s own expense and to present relevant evidence to the
Board. The informal opportunity to be heard shall take place in open or executive session
(as determined by the Board and the Board member in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act) at a regular or special meeting of the Board.
3. Any action to censure or take other disciplinary action regarding a Board member for cause
following such informal hearing shall require an affirmative vote by a majority of all members
of the Board.
Legal Conn. Gen. Stat. 10-220 Duties of boards of education.