SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 78 (FRASER-CASCADE)

POLICY

NO. 1080

DATE: 2000-10-24

REVISED

SUBJECT: TRUSTEE CODE OF ETHICS

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The Board of School Trustees considers that it is critical for the conducting of business by the Board and the actions of individual trustees to be beyond reproach. To that end, a series of philosophic statements and principles have been adopted to ensure the integrity of action by the Board and its individual members.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 78 (FRASER-CASCADE)

REGULATIONS

NO. 1080

DATE: 2000-10-24

REVISED

SUBJECT: TRUSTEE CODE OF ETHICS

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AS AN ELECTED SCHOOL TRUSTEE:

I will observe the policies and regulations of School District No. 78 (Fraser-Cascade) and the School Act, Regulations and Orders and other relevant Acts.

I will devote time, thought and study to the duties and responsibilities of a trustee so that I may render effective and creditable service.

I will endeavour to provide the best quality of education possible for our students and will strive for public schools that can meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, sex, creed, social standing or unique conditions. I will earnestly attempt to understand the needs and aspirations of the entire school system and do my best to support effective educational programs for the students.

I will represent the entire district rather than individual electors, patrons or groups. I will bear in mind, under all circumstances, that the primary function of the Board is to establish the policies by which the schools are to be administered, but that the administration of school business shall be left to the Superintendent of Schools, the Secretary-Treasurer and respective staff.

I will recognize that the expenditure of school funds is a public trust, and I will endeavour to see that all such funds shall be expended efficiently, economically, and for the best interest of the students.

I will endeavour to work with my fellow trustees in a spirit of harmony and cooperation, in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during debate. I will avoid rancor and bitterness; observe proper decorum and behavior; encourage full and open discussions in all matters with my fellow members of the Board; treat them with respect and consideration; and I will not withhold or conceal from them any information or matter with which they could be concerned.

I will recognize that the individual trustee may have occasion to discuss with the community positions that are contrary to or supportive of Board policy or regulations so that he/she might report to the Board on his/her perceptions of the community point of view.

I believe in the concept of due process and will ensure students, parents, employees and others are aware of my responsibility to ensure they are aware of the requirement to have discussed the problem or concern with the individual(s) directly responsible for the decision prior to my discussing the matter with them.

I will base my personal decision upon all available facts in each situation; vote my honest conviction in every case, unswayed by partisan bias of any kind; and thereafter, abide by and uphold the final majority decision of the Board.

I will not use the schools or any part of the school program for my own personal advantage or for the advantage of my family or friends; I will do everything possible to maintain the integrity, confidence, and dignity of the office of school trustee; and I will resist every temptation and outside pressure to use my position as a trustee to benefit either myself or any other individual or agency.

I will remember at all times that as an individual I have no legal authority outside the meetings of the Board, unless the Board has so delegated. My relationships with the school staff, the local citizenry, and the media will be conducted on the basis of this fact.

I will not discuss the confidential business of the Board outside a school board meeting or a committee meeting thereof.

I will endeavor to avail myself of opportunities for enlargement of my potential as a board member through participation in educational conferences, workshops, and training sessions made available by local, provincial, and federal agencies.