FILE:  BH

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER AND SUPERINTENDENT ETHICS

WE BELIEVE;

THAT in a society in which sovereignty resides in the people, it is the function of government to administer to their common welfare; and that equal opportunity for justice, freedom of worship, of speech, of assembly and of the press are inherent rights of the individual.

THAT an effectively operated public education program on the elementary, secondary and higher education levels contributes to society.

THAT education is a State function; that school districts are organized for the purpose of maintaining public schools; that their creation is authorized by constitutional provisions and by the general statues which confer upon them all their powers, prescribe all their duties and impose all limitations to which they are subject.

THAT pursuant to the preceding paragraph the policies adopted by the Board and the administrative rules and regulations relating thereto, as developed by school officials, should recognize the specific right, duties and responsibilities of each agency, office, or individual to take appropriate action in terms of these policies, rules and regulations.  The Board should delegate the administrative functions of the school to its executive officer - the Superintendent.  The Superintendent is responsible for the implementation of said policies, rules and regulations through the staff.

THAT decisions affecting the complex problems of organizing, administering, developing the curriculum and securing financial support for the schools should be made in terms of "what is best for the child, society and the nation" to the end that all students shall receive the best possible education in relation to each child's abilities, interests and potentialities.

THAT the policies of the Board, crafted according to Michigan School Law and federal rules and regulations, are the basis for Board decisions.  Further, working collaboratively with other elected county, state and national office-holders are essential to effective school district operation.

THAT the development of effective public education demands that the rights, duties and responsibilities of the Board and the Superintendent shall be recognized and that appropriate relationships shall be established and observed as presented herewith:

AS A BOARD MEMBER I SHALL:

 AS A SUPERINTENDENT I SHALL:

  1. Recognize the function of the Board as being legislative and judicial.

  2. Delegate executive responsibilities to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent may delegate to administrative and staff personnel the function of administering the schools in accordance with statutory law, requirements prescribed by the State Constitution, the State Department of Education and adopted policies of the Board.

  3. Require that the policies adopted by the Board shall be codified, made available and kept up-to-date as required by periodic re-examination.

  4. Act on legislative matters only after seeking and receiving pertinent information, the Superintendent's recommendation and full discussion.

  5. Recognize that Board members should act in what is conceived to be the best interest of the entire community.

  6. Recognize that authority to act rests with the entire Board and that business shall be transacted only in official meetings.

  7. Refrain from making commitments to individuals or organizations as an individual member of the Board.

  8. Subordinate personal differences in order that actions of the Board may be effective.

  9. Recognize that actions of the Board remain in effect until modified.

  10. Require that meetings of the Board be conducted based on a planned agenda prepared by the Superintendent in accordance with Board policies.

  11. Submit items to be placed on the agenda in sufficient time so that the Superintendent may gather relevant information.  The agenda shall be made available to all Board members for study with supporting documentation prior to the Board meetings.

  12. Require the Superintendent to keep the Board up-to-date concerning the school programs, its problems, current and anticipated, so that the Board may operate in conformity with General School Laws.

  13. Keep the Superintendent and fellow Board members advised of community reaction to the school program and to school policies.

  14. Listen courteously to citizens with questions and complaints referring them to the Superintendent in accordance with Board policies.

  15. Refer personal requests and criticisms by employees directly to the Superintendent in accordance with Board policies.

  16. Act on the selection, promotion or dismissal of professional school personnel, only after submission of a recommendation by the Superintendent.

  17. Participate in county, regional, state, and national associations of school board members.

  18. Vote to employ the most competent person available for the position of Superintendent after a careful review of all available candidates.

  19. Support the Superintendent as an administrator of Board policies.

  1. Respect the legislative and the judicial function of the Board.

  2.  Serve as the executive officer of the Board.  Attend all meetings of the Board except when matters concerning salary negotiations or disciplinary actions relating to Superintendent are under consideration.

  3. Formulate with members of the school staff, Board and lay groups recommendations to be made to the Board.

  4. Present to the Board for its approval administrative rules implementing Board policies.

  5. Keep the Board current concerning school programs, curriculum and problems - present and anticipated as provided in General School Laws.

  6. Accept items of importance to be placed on the agenda from members of the Board and others together with supporting documentation in accordance with Board policies.

  7. Recommend for employment the best-qualified candidate for the position.

  8. Make objective recommendations with adequate supporting data to the Board in regard to cases of promotion, demotion, non-renewal of contract or dismissal of professional staff.  The Board shall be notified of transfers in accordance with Board policies.

  9. Interpret official actions of the Board to school employees and community groups in a faithful, accurate and supportive manner.

  10. Increase efficiency and effectiveness through advanced study and through participation in professional organizations and conferences to obtain updated legislation, instructional methodology, financial information, etc., to further enhance and upgrade District operations.

  11. Assume joint responsibility with the Board for fiscal integrity involving the relationships of the District to local, county, state and federal units of government and to non-governmental agencies.

  12. Recommend to the Board for adoption an estimated budget for the ensuing year; assist in modifying and refining the estimated budget; and administer the budget adopted by the Board.

  13. Advise, counsel and recommend to the Board the purposes and scope of the educational program.

  14. Assume responsibility for the development of an acceptable program for the maintenance of the facilities; the physical plant reflective of current and long-range building needs, along with the results obtained their effectiveness and recommendations for improvement.

  15. Recognize that there may be special interest and ability of Board members to work with elected county, state and national office-holders to see that the educational needs of youth are met.
REVISED: 6-14-94
REVISED: 1-13-04
 

The Benton Harbor Area Schools, Berrien County, Michigan