As representatives of all the citizens of the River Valley School District, school board members are responsible for serving the best interests of the community and its students. The oath of office requires school board members to uphold the laws and Constitutions of the United States and the State of Wisconsin. School board members shall adhere to any ethical standards required by law including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting conflicts of interest, laws prohibiting the dissemination of privileged or confidential information, laws governing the holding of open meetings, and the circumstances under which action may be taken by the board and laws governing elections and campaign finance.
In addition, school board members should:
a. Recognize that they may act only when in official Board session, except when serving as an officer. Officers may take actions as necessary to fulfill their required duties.
b. Attend all meetings and be prepared at those meetings to act on issues before the Board. They should be prepared to contribute to the discussion, while keeping an open mind during the deliberations; respect the right of others to have and express opinions; treat school personnel and the citizenry fairly and ethically; make decisions at Board meetings after all the facts have been presented; and, try to assure democratic processes for all groups.
c. Give the district administrator authority as befits his/her responsibilities, and assure him/her of that authority through written Board policies.
d. Remember that they are serving as local legislators under the direction of state and federal laws. They should communicate with state and federal legislators concerning the problems and needs associated with providing a quality education.
e. Maintain the confidentiality of information which the board has determined to be confidential until such time as the Board determines there is no longer a need for the information to remain confidential or until such time where such information must be disclosed in accordance with law, whichever is earlier.
f. Keep informed regarding Board member duties and functions by taking advantage of inservice opportunities.
g. Be responsive to the public by maintaining open communication lines with citizens in the community, and by keeping them informed about the educational needs of the district as well as the actions of the Board and accomplishments of the district's educational program.
h. Strive to maintain harmonious working relationships with fellow Board members by accepting majority decisions graciously, stifling personal interests, assisting others to work effectively, and using tact in areas of disagreement.
i. Keep in mind the Board's role as the district's employer, making sure the district has well-qualified and able employees who will serve in the best interests of the students.
j.
Communicate, upon receipt of written or oral information from citizens of the
community which a board member deems sufficiently important to consider in
reaching his or her own decisions on matters at issue before the board, the
information to other board members or and the district administrator for
dissemination to the other board members as soon as possible after receipt of
such information.
LEGAL REF: Sections 19.42 Wisconsin Statutes
19.59
946.10
946.12
946.13
APPROVED: February 9, 1989
REVISED: December 12, 1996
APPROVED: January 9, 1997
04/18/2007 pw