Ethics and Conduct Guidelines

1. The Board of Education exercises its statutory authority in an open session of a public Board Meeting when voting to take official action.
   1. Understand that individual Board members have no authority and that the authority of the Board is exercised only when voting to take official action at an open session in a duly scheduled meeting of the Board.
   2. Foster respectful working relationships between Board members and with the superintendent and staff, recognizing differences of perspective and style as beneficial to the work of the Board, working towards consensus, and supporting the decisions of the Board.
   3. Focus Board efforts on strategic policy and governance rather than operational tasks, refraining from performing management functions that are the duty of the superintendent and the administration.
2. Represent the Board of Education with dignity and integrity.
   • Abide by the Utah Public Officers’ and Employees’ Ethics Act and model ethical conduct at all times.
   • Avoiding conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety that could result from using an elected position for personal gain, special interests, or partisan influence.
   • Respect the confidentiality of information that is protected by law (i.e., GRAMA and the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act), and keep confidential issues discussed in executive sessions, including legal action, negotiations, personnel matters, and property.
   • Pursue accountability, and conduct Board business with honesty, good faith, and reasonable competence and encourage appropriate evaluation and measurement to monitor results.

3. Guard the public trust by spending school funds to benefit all children. Acknowledge the Board has fiduciary duties to the school district, which require Board Members to act in the best interest of the District and exercise their powers and responsibilities with care.

4. Preparation for Board Meetings to listen and value the opinions of others. 
   • Attend Board meetings insofar as possible.
   • Take time to be informed and prepared to discuss items on the agenda. 
   • Speak only after being recognized by the Board President. Listen attentively and respectfully to the comments of others, allowing every Board member the opportunity to share their views.
   • Understand my comments should be relevant and contribute constructively to the topic under discussion.
   • Maintain a respectful and orderly dialogue, and embody the values of collaboration and mutual respect that the Board wishes to foster within the District.
   • Work to be an effective leader in education by participating in professional development, studying education issues, fulfilling assigned duties, and advocating for public education.

5. Foster a positive working relationship with the superintendent and business administrator, valuing their expertise in advising the board, implementing board policy, and overseeing district operations.

6. Ensure that material complaints are brought to the attention of the Superintendent and other Board members in a timely manner. Individual Board Members should refrain from action to investigate material complaints; but should refer complaints to the administration to remain neutral.

7. Reach out to the school community by developing relationships with community organizations and leaders, communicating with constituents, staff, students and all elements of the community; seeking systematic communication to bring community input to the Board.

8. Represent the needs of all students in the District balancing the concerns of individual precincts and constituents, and value every voice in the community.