MSD Policies
BOSC
104 Board Member Code of Ethics
[BBAD: Board Member Code of Ethics]
Introduction:
All Board of School Committee members shall read, review and accept, at the organizational meeting, the code of ethics statement.
Failure by any board member to adhere to this statement, including any violations of the Right to Know Law (NH RSA 91-A) city charter, or any other local, state, or federal law, or any other failure to regard the confidentiality requirements imposed by said laws shall result in consequences for said board member including any remedy provided for under city charter, local, state, or federal law up to and including potential removal from office (See RSA 42:1-a). Any known violations of this policy shall be reported in writing to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board.
Member Code of Ethics Statement:
In our role as publicly elected officials, we have a responsibility to the students, families, and citizens of Manchester to behave ethically. Board members contribute to a culture of trust, innovation, and growth in the District when we act as models of engaged learning and ethical leadership for students and staff. Therefore, the Board of School Committee adopts this statement.
Each member of the Board of School Committee is expected to:
Abide by the Oath of Office, uphold the City Charter, as well as all local, state, and federal laws, and adhere to the rules and policies of the Board.
Respect the confidentiality of information whether it be privileged by law, received in confidence, or disclosed in non-public session.
Put Manchester Public School District students, and their right to an excellent education
,FIRST in all Board deliberations and decision-making.Represent the needs and interests of ALL students in the District.
Advocate for Manchester Public Schools and act as ambassadors for the District, promoting support for public education and spreading the news of our successes, while at the same time seeking to see and understand the gaps that exist between where we are and where we aspire to be and to work to leverage our strengths, address our failures, and close these gaps in order to provide equitable access for ALL Manchester Public School children to the educational opportunities they deserve.
Exercise leadership in setting out the vision and strategic direction—that is the broad goals and standards—of the District and adopt policies necessary to realize that vision and to regularly evaluate progress towards it. Policies are adopted by a quorum of the Board at proper meetings in accordance with the Right-to-Know law and not by individual members.
Work to establish policies and protocols for systematic communications with students, staff, and members of the community.
Support the employment of those best qualified to serve as school staff to meet the needs of our diverse student population and insist on a regular and impartial evaluation of all staff.
Respect the chain of command and take any criticisms concerning the performance of individual district staff members to the Superintendent; not to district staff, the public, or unnecessarily to a board meeting. Refer problems or complaints to the proper administrative office per applicable School Board policies.
Debate the issues with fellow board members, not debate or disparage the character of fellow board members. Prior to making a board decision, exercise due diligence, ask questions, and listen with an open mind as part of a robust discussion.
References
City Charter Article IX Standards of Conduct
Board of School Committee Rules
RSA 91-A
RSA 42:1-a
HISTORY
Revised From: 7/8/02, 1/7/14 (BOSC 107 to BOSC 104); 8/8/16; 1/8/18; 5/10/21, January 11, 2022
First Reading, Policy Committee: August 16, 2023
Second Reading BOSC Adoption: August 28, 2023