As a Board of Directors, we support the Iowa Association of School Boards’ Code of Ethics, which states:*
AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
1. I will listen.
2. I will respect the opinion of others.
3. I will recognize the integrity of my predecessors and associates
and the merit of their work.
4. I will be motivated only by an earnest desire to serve my
district and the children of my community in the best possible way.
5. I will not use the schools or any part of the school program
for my own personal advantage or for the advantage of my friends or supporters.
6. I will vote for a closed session of the board if the situation
requires it, but I will consider secret sessions of the board members unethical.
7. I will recognize that to promise in advance of a meeting how
I will vote on any proposition which is to be considered, is to close my
mind and agree not to think through other facts and points of view which
may be presented in the meeting.
8. I will expect, in board meetings, to spend more time on educational
programs and procedures than on business details.
9. I will recognize that authority rests with the board in legal
session, and not with individual members of the board, except as authorized
by law.
10. I will make no disparaging remarks, in or out of the board
meeting, about other members of the board or their opinions.
11. I will express my honest and most thoughtful opinions frankly,
in board meetings, in an effort to have all decisions made for the best
interests of the children and the schools.
12. I will insist that all members of the board participate fully
in board action, and recommend that when sub-committees are appointed,
they serve only in an advisory capacity.
13. I will abide by majority decisions of the board.
14. I will carefully consider petitions, resolutions, and complaints,
and will act upon them in the best interests of the schools.
15. I will not discuss the confidential business of the board
in my home, on the street, or in my office; the place for such discussion
being the school board meeting.
16. I will endeavor to keep informed on all local, state, and
national educational developments of significance so that I may become
a better board member.
IN MEETING MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MY COMMUNITY
1. I will consider myself a trustee of public education and will
do my best to protect, it, conserve it, and advance it, giving to the children
of my community the educational opportunities that are as complete and
adequate as it is possible to provide.
2. I will consider it an important responsibility of the board
to interpret the aims, methods and attitudes of the schools to the community.
3. I will earnestly try to interpret the needs and attitudes
of the community and do my best to translate them into the educational
program of the schools.
4. I will attempt to procure adequate financial support for the
district’s programs .
5. I will represent the entire district rather than individual
electors, patrons, or groups.
6. I will not regard the schools as my own private property,
but as the property of the people.
IN MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF
1. I will function, in meeting the legal responsibility that is
mine, as a part of a legislative, policy-forming body, not as an administrative
officer.
2. I will recognize that it is my responsibility, together with
that of my fellow board members, to see that the schools are properly run--not
to run them myself,.
3. I will expect the schools to be administered by the best-trained
technical and professional people it is possible to procure.
4. I will recognize the superintendent as executive officer of
the board.
5. I will work through the administrative employees of the board,
not over or around them.
6. I will expect the superintendent to keep the school board
adequately informed through oral and written reports.
7. I will vote to employ personnel only after the recommendation
of the superintendent has been received.
8. I will insist that contracts be equally binding on the employee
and the school board.
9. I will give the superintendent power commensurate with the
position’s responsibility and will not in any way interfere with, or seek
to undermine, that authority.
10. I will give the superintendent friendly counsel and advice.
11. I will present any personal criticism of employees to the
superintendent.
12. I will refer complaints to the proper administrative officer.
TO COOPERATE WITH OTHER SCHOOL BOARDS
1. I will not help to employ a superintendent, principal, or teacher
who is already under contract with another school without first securing
assurance from the proper authority that the person can be released from
contract.
2. I will consider it unethical to pursue any procedure calculated
to embarrass a neighboring board or superintendent.
3. I will not recommend an employee for a position in another
school unless I would employ the individual under similar circumstances.
4. I will answer all inquiries about the standing and ability
of an employee to the best of my knowledge and judgment, with complete
frankness.
5. I will associate myself with school board members of other
districts, both personally and in conferences, for the purpose of discussing
school problems and cooperating in the improvement of public school conditions.
*Source: Iowa Association of School Boards, The Iowa School Board Member - A Guide to Better Boardmanship
Date of Adoption: May 13, 1980
Revised: January 28, 1992
April 11, 1995
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board, vote as a member, sign warrants, drafts, all orders drawn upon the Treasurer as provided by law, and contracts requiring the President’s signature.
The President will work with the superintendent to develop appropriate agendas for all meetings to assure that matters are brought to the Board’s attention in a timely manner.
The President shall appear on behalf of the district in all actions brought by or against it, unless individually a party, in which case this duty shall be performed by the Secretary.
In addition to the duties prescribed by law, the president shall exercise such powers as may be delegated by the Board.
Legal Reference: Code of Iowa, Chapter 291.1
Date of Adoption: December 12, 1967
Revised: October 28, 1975
May 13, 1980
January 28, 1992
April 11, 1995
The Vice-President shall serve in the absence of the President and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board of Directors.
Date of Adoption: December 12, 1967
Revised: May 13, 1980
January 28, 1992
April 11, 1995
The Secretary of the Board of Directors is appointed annually by the Board at a regular or special meeting of the Board held in July or August prior to or on August 15.
The Secretary of the Board shall fulfill the requirements as established in the School Laws of Iowa, and perform such other duties from time to time as may be required by the Board of Directors and Superintendent.
The positions of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by a single individual.
Legal Reference: Code of Iowa, Chapter 279.3, 291.6-291.11
Date of Adoption: December 12, 1967
Revised: May 13, 1980
January 28, 1992
April 11, 1995
The Treasurer of the Board of Directors is appointed annually by the Board at a regular or special meeting of the Board held in July or August prior to or on August 15. The Treasurer is held directly responsible to the citizens and the Board of Directors for the accurate receiving, disbursing and recording of all funds and for other duties prescribed by law.
The Treasurer will give bond under a simple blanket bond covering other employees of the district, no less than the amount required by law.
The positions of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by a single individual.
Legal Reference: Code of Iowa, Chapter 279.3, 291.12
Date of Adoption: December 12, 1967
Revised: October 28, 1975
May 13, 1980
January 28, 1992
April 11, 1995