The York County School Division

VSBA Code of Ethics for School Board Members

As a member of my local school board, I will strive to be an advocate for students and to improve public education and to that end:
I will have integrity in all matters and support the full development of all children and the welfare of the community, Commonwealth and Nation.

I will attend scheduled board meetings.

I will come to board meetings informed concerning the issues under consideration.

I will make policy decisions based on the available facts and appropriate public input.

I will delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent, and establish a process for accountability of administrators.

I will encourage individual board member expression of opinion and establish an open, two-way communication process with all segments of the community.

I will communicate, in accordance with board policies, public reaction and opinion regarding board policies and school programs to the full board and superintendent.

I will bring about desired changes through legal and ethical procedures, upholding and enforcing all laws, state regulations, and court orders pertaining to schools.

I will refrain from using the board position for personal or partisan gain and avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety.

I will respect the confidentiality of privileged information and make no individual decisions or commitments that might compromise the board or administration.

I will be informed about current educational issues through individual study and participation in appropriate programs, such as those sponsored by my state and national school boards associations.

I will always remember that the foremost concern of the board is to improve and enhance the teaching and learning experience for all students in the public schools of Virginia.

Therefore, I will always strive to demonstrate appropriate behavior/conduct as a public school board member.
(Adopted 12/1/00, VSBA Board of Directors)