Board of Education Policy BBF-S, Adopted June 18, 1998

Please address any questions regarding this policy to:

Nancy McWhorter
School Board Secretary
(573) 458-0101, Ext. 11102
Email: nmcwhorter(at)rolla.k12.mo.us

The Board of Education accepts the code of ethics adopted by the Missouri School Boards Association Delegate Assembly.

WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE MISSOURI SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION, ACCEPT THESE TRUTHS:

That the basic function of public education in the United States is to provide all children with an effective opportunity to learn the facts, skills and thinking patterns needed to prepare them for a full, satisfying and productive life.

That it is essential for the development of a democratic citizenry and the maintenance of our national ideals that acceptable educational opportunities for all children be available on an equal basis.

That the ideals and motives of the school Board members influence the quality of education in the schools.

As a member of the Board, I shall:

1. Abide by the laws of the State of Missouri.
2. Attempt when possible to make use of applicable laws or regulations which will improve the quality of our schools.
3. Accept the responsibility of carrying out locally the statewide program of making educational opportunity available for each child.
4. Attempt to maintain the effectiveness of the local school system as it relates to the effectiveness of the state educational program.
5. Work at all times to further local control of education.

As a member of the Board, I shall:

1. Endeavor to understand the present and future educational needs of the community.
2. Maintain the public trust through full and open communication.
3. Insist that school funds be spent prudently and effectively to provide maximum educational benefits.
4. Avoid domination by cliques and other partisan or self-seeking groups.
5. Recognize that public schools are agencies of the state for the betterment of the entire community.
6. Encourage citizens to participate through channels in shaping the purposes and policies of the local school system.

As a member of the Board, I shall:

1. Accept my policy-making responsibilities and require thte superintendent to administer the school in accordance with those policies.
2. Delegate to the superintendent of schools and other school employees authority in keeping with their responsibilities.
3. Recognize that all lines of administrative responsibility to and from the employed personnel should extend to the Board of Education through the office of the superintendent.
4. Demand that the schools be operated by the best trained technical and professional personnel it is possible to procure.
5. Employ only such qualified employees as are properly recommended by the superintendent of schools.
6. Involve members of the staff in planning proposed policies through proper channels.
7. Insist that the superintendent be responsible for keeping the Board properly informed on school matters at all times.
8. Refer all complaints to the proper administrative officer.
9. Notify the superintendent in writing of any personal criticism of employees.
10. Encourage and promote the professional growth of teachers so that they may better perform their function.

As a member of the Board, I shall:

1. Contribute to and take an active part in Board discussions.
2. Respect the rights of others to advance and defend their opinions on an issue up for consideration.
3. Make my decisions only after judicious consideration of the evidence and the viewpoints of competent and/or interested individuals.
4. Accept and abide by all legally arrived at decisions of the Board, regardless of my previous opinions.
5. Respect the confidential business of the Board and refrain from discussing such business outside of Board meetings.
6. Recognize that official action is an expression of the membership of the Board, and that initial announcement of such action will come from the president of the Board.

As a member of the Board, I shall:

1. Refuse to enter into unprincipled bidding with other school boards for the services of teachers or other employees.
2. Employ no teacher or other person who is under contract to another school board until that person has been released by the contracting board.
3. Give to an inquiring board the kind of appraisal of a teacher or other person seeking employment that I would expect to received from the Board if I were making inquiring. Furthermore, I shall:
   1. Direct all recommendations of teachers and other employees only to those making inquiry.
   2. Withhold recommendation of a teacher or other employee until pertinent facts which may influence the recommendation are known.
   3. Encourage and interchange of thoughts with other boards.
   4. Remember that the ducation of the children in the school district of another board is as important to that board as the education of the children in this district is to this School Board.