P0250 BOE Code of Conduct - Wichita Public Schools
- 0100 Board of Education
P0250 BOE Code of Conduct - Wichita Public Schools
Board members will always strive to put the needs of children above the wants of adults and will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of all children in the District regardless of ability, race, creed, ethnicity, sex, or social standings.
Implemental Procedures
1. Board members will follow Board Policy and Board Procedures and will abide by the decisions of the Board majority.
2. Board members will not take individual actions that will compromise the School District or the Board.
3. Board members are authorized to take action in an official capacity only as a member of the Board as a whole, at legally called meetings, or when delegated authority by the Board as a whole. Board members will not represent to anyone that they, as an individual, have any authority to act on behalf of the Board or District, unless expressly authorized by the Board to do so. (For more information, see P0200 – Board of Education Agendas and Meetings.)
4. Board members understand that the President serves as official spokesperson for the Board. The President has the authority to appoint another member as the President’s designee in communications with the media. (For more information, see P0300 - President.) When individual Board members speak with the news media, they are speaking for themselves and not as spokespersons for the Board.
5. Board members understand that the President, as directed by the Board, will appoint Board members to serve on committees as the official Board representatives. (For more information, see P0300 - President.)
6. Board members understand that the Board is responsible for adopting policies. The Administration, not the Board, is responsible for implementing BOE Policies as proscribed by Board Policy statements and Administrative Implemental Procedures (AIPs). (For more information, see P0100 – Organization of the Board, P0150 – Functions of the Board, and P0500 - Superintendent.)
7. Board members will not try to solve complaints or grievances individually, except when they may counsel patrons or employees who inquire as to the correct procedure to be followed for the resolution of complaints or grievances. (For more information, see P0875 – Complaints Against Employees.)
8. Board members will not meet with vendors or suppliers regarding District business unless it is scheduled through the Superintendent's Office. (For more information, see P0330 – Vendors, and related Purchasing Department policies.) Board members should channel all requests for information from District vendors or suppliers through the Superintendent's Office.
9. On other than routine matters, Board members will channel all requests for information during open meetings at the Board table, or through the Superintendent’s office. (For more information, see P0200 – Board of Education Agendas and Meetings and P0275 Requests for Information – Board of Education.)
10. Board members will not individually undertake to observe the performance of employees, including classroom teachers, for the purposes of "evaluating" their performance. Board members will not reprimand or provide direction to staff or attempt to exert undue pressure or influence on the staff. Board members will refrain from using their position on the Board to intimidate or ridicule any district employee.
11. Board members will not put items on the agenda for the purpose of making a political statement, or "play to the audience" in Board meetings. Board members will ask questions to get information, not to inform or to advance a political agenda. Board members will not embarrass another Board member or school employee in public. Board members reserve the right to disagree, but will not be disagreeable.
12. Board members will attend all regularly scheduled Board Meetings and notify the Clerk’s office if they are going to be absent. In addition, Board members will come to the Board meetings prepared and informed on issues to be considered at those meetings.
13. Board members will hold discussions in executive session in confidence.
Board counsel has approved this policy as to legal form and content. Administrative Responsibility: Board of Education
Latest Review Date: December 2017
New Policy: July 2008 P0250
Updated administratively for alignment purposes: November 2020