Essex Westford Educational Community Unified Union School District

Vermont Code of Ethics For School Board Members 

As a member of The Essex Westford Educational Community Unified Union School District, we will remember that our primary concerns must be the educational welfare of the students in our district and excellent return on investment for taxpayers. We agree to conduct ourselves in accordance with the following commitments. We will:

Act within the scope of our official roles:

• Recognize that a board member's responsibility is to see that schools are well run, but not to run them.

• Act only as a member of the board and not assume any individual authority when the board is not in session unless otherwise directed by the board.

• Give no directives, as an individual board member, to any school administrator or employee, publicly or privately.

• Avoid making commitments that may compromise the decision-making ability of the board of administrators.

Uphold the highest ethical standards:

• Not receive anything of value, by contract or otherwise, from the school district or supervisory union unless it is received:

  • As a result of contract accepted after a public bid

  • In public recognition of service or achievement

  • As a board stipend reimbursement or expense allowed by law for official duties performed as a member of such board;

• Not solicit or receive directly or indirectly any gift or compensation in return for making a recommendation or casting a vote;

• Agree to recuse and remove myself from board deliberation and votes when necessary to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest;

• Not agree to the hiring of a superintendent, principal, or teacher already under contract with another school district unless assurance is first secured from the proper authority that the person can be released from his or her contract.

Respect my peers. my constituents. and confidentiality considerations:

• Voice opinions respectfully and treat with respect other board members, administrators, school staff, and members of the public;

• Maintain confidentiality of information and discussion conducted in executive session and uphold applicable laws with respect to the confidentiality of student and employee information;

• Attend all regularly scheduled board meetings insofar as possible.

 Approved by the EWSD School Board - April 27, 2021