Policies » Section B: School Board Governance and Operations » BCA: A Model Code of Conduct for School Board Members

Policy Date: 04/03/2025

CSD File: BCA

CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
A MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Members of the Candia School Board shall agree to the following code of conduct:

• We will not be coerced into decisions by pressure groups. Rather, we will listen to all points of view
and try to make decisions based on all available data.

• We will strive to identify our own personal biases and prejudices and to keep them from influencing
our decisions.

• In the consideration of financial matters, such as budget approval, school construction, salaries, and
purchases, we will attempt to maintain a balance between fiscal responsibility and a commitment to
quality education.

• We will attempt to differentiate between decisions that should rightfully be made by the
administrators and those which should be made by the school board, keeping in mind that the school
board’s functions are legislative and evaluative, that is, to make policies and monitor their
implementation.

• We will remember that a school board functions only as a total board in a legal meeting. I will not
attempt to exercise authority as an individual and will not make unauthorized commitments on behalf
of the board.

• If an individual should be a member of the minority on any vote, they will abide by the majority
opinion.

• If contacted by a parent or other citizen about a school problem, we will point out how important it is
to follow a proper “chain of command” and that, if avenues of appeal have been exhausted, the
complainant should seek recognition on a school board meeting agenda.

• We will respect the confidentiality of information disclosed in non-public session of the board.

• We will vigorously support school board policies which recognize the rights and dignity of all people,
including students and employees, and which foster sound management practices.

• Even though we may have been elected by friends and neighbors, we will view ourselves as
representatives of the entire school district and will not be influenced by partisanship. We will
consistently support what is best for the total school district.

Adopted: August 4, 2005
Revised: April 3, 2025