Board Member Conduct

1. Board Member Conduct Governing Board Online Training Module

2. Code of Conduct • Board Member Agreements • Confidentiality • Treatment of sensitive information • The best interest of the school

3. Duty of Loyalty • Undivided loyalty to the school • Written conflict of interest policy • Compliance with governing documents of the school • Avoid engaging in opportunities which benefit board members or their families

4. Duty of Care • Meeting attendance • Active participation • Meeting action, protocol, and records • Good business judgment • Fiscal responsibility

5. Conflict of Interest • Professional conflict • Personal conflict • Disclosure • Absent from meeting • Abstain from voting

6. Parent Hat vs. Board Hat • Speaking with “one voice” • The full board vs. individual board members • Speaking with administration • Speaking with teaching staff • Regarding board decisions • Regarding a child’s performance

7. Overcoming Indecision and Conflict • Avoiding unpopular or difficult decisions • Requesting additional information • Increased potential for conflict • Significant growth and development • Change in leadership • Failure to achieve goals • Pressure from authorizer or parents • Proactive measures to manage conflict • Training in conflict resolution • Behavioral norms • Communication

8. Board Communication • Communicating with the school community (including staff, parents, and students) and beyond • Promoting the vision and mission • The strategic plan • Communicating with other board members • Open meetings and open records laws

9. In Summary • The board agreement sets the standard for professionalism. • Board members must exhibit loyalty and a duty of care. • The board should have a written policy for managing conflict. • Effective communication practices and transparency are imperative.