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SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ETHICS

            The Board of Education recognizes that sound, ethical standards of conduct serve to increase the effectiveness of school board members and their staff, as educational leaders in their community.  Actions based on an ethical code of conduct promote public confidence and the attainment of district goals.  The Board also recognizes its obligation to set forth a code of ethics under the provisions of the General Municipal Law.

            The Board therefore adopts the following code of ethics, and its accompanying regulation, for the guidance of its officers and employees.  Board members and their staff commit themselves to:

• ASSURING the opportunity for high quality education for every student and making the well-being of students the fundamental principle in all decisions and actions;
  
  
  
• REPRESENTING the entire community without fear or favor;
  
  
  
• ACCEPTING all responsibilities as a means of unselfish service, while not using their positions for personal gain;
  
  
  
• ACTING as part of an educational team with mutual respect and regard for each other's respective responsibilities and duties, recognizing that the strength of a school board is in acting as a board, not as individuals;
  
  
  
• PRESERVING the obligation of having all issues considered fairly and without bias;
  
  
  
• UPHOLDING the principles of due process and individual dignity, and protect the civil and human rights of all;
  
  
  
• MAINTAINING high standards and the effectiveness of education through research and continuing professional development;
  
  
  
• OBEYING all national, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to education and public agencies; and
  
  
  
• INSTILLING respect for community, state, and nation.

Ref:            General Municipal Law §§806-808

Adoption date:  January 1, 1993

Reviewed on:            November 5, 2007