JCBE/POLTCY FILE: 120.1

Approved: 10/23/79

Revised: 1/26/84

JEFFERSON C0UNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION CODE OF ETHICS

We believe in the inherent desire of all people to live in peace under God, and in the need for today's youth to live in a society dedicated to the advancement of education. Because the strength of our great nation depends upon the social responsibility, economic competence, intellectual capability and moral stability of each American, we believe that the advancement of quality education is vital to the well being of our democratic society. Therefore, in providing the educational leadership for the students of Jefferson County, we shall seek to fulfill our position of responsibility and the public trust by adopting and subscribing to the standards of this Code of Ethics.

ARTICLE 1 - MY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE STUDENTS

Section 1 I will at all times think in terms of "students first" by making decisions in light of how they affect the student and the student's education.

Section 2 I will seek to provide equal educational opportunities for all students.

ARTICLE II - MY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY

Section l I will endeavor to appraise fairly both the present and future educational needs of the community.

Section 2 I will represent at all times the entire school community.

ARTICLE III MY RESPONSIBILITY T0 TEACHERS AND PERSONNEL

Section 1 I will endeavor at all times to work in the best interest of the teachers and other employees of the Jefferson County School System.

Section 2 I will not direct any employee of the Board of Education with reference to the employee's duties, but shall refer such to the superintendent or the superintendent's assistants.

JCBE/POLICY FILE: 120.1

ARTICLE IV - MY RESPONSIBILITY TO OTHER BOARD MEMBERS

Section 1 I will recognize that authority rests only with the Board in official meetings.

Section 2 I will refuse to make promises as to how I will vote on a matter which should properly come before the Board as a whole.

Section 3 I will make decisions only after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed.

ARTICLE V - MY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT

Section 1 I will bear in mind under all circumstances that the primary function of the Board is to establish policies by which the schools are to be administered, and that the administration of the educational program and the conduct of school business shall be left to the superintendent and the superintendent's assistants.

Section 2 I will give the superintendent full administrative authority for properly discharging duties.

Section 3 I will see that the superintendent and those under the superintendent's authority work within the framework of policies approved by the Board.

Section 4 I will not request the superintendent to take action on a matter until the Board has approved such action.

ARTICLE Vl - MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MYSELF

Section 1 I will not use my position as a school board member to benefit myself or any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the school system.

Section 2 I will remember that I am a citizen without Board authority except in an official Board meeting.

Section 3 I will refrain from discussing confidential and official information relative to school matters with unauthorized persons.