BP 2715 Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice - Board Policies, Chapter 2 Board of Trustees

• Reference: Accreditation Standard IV.B.1.a, e, & h
• Board Approved: 04/13/05
• Revised: 02/12/07, 05/06/09

The Board maintains high standards of ethical conduct for its members. Members of the Board are responsible for the following:

1. Acting only in the best interest of the entire community and adhering to District Policies and Procedures.
2. Protecting the interests of students in every decision and assuring the opportunity for high-quality education for every student.
3. Using the powers of the office honestly and constructively, communicating and promoting the needs of the community to the College, and the needs of the College to the community.
4. Maintaining an atmosphere in which controversial issues will be debated openly and fairly, protecting the dignity of individuals. Respecting others; acting with civility.
5. Exercising authority only as a Board and conducting their relationships with college staff, students, local citizenry, and the media on that basis.
6. Ensuring public input into board deliberations; adhering to the law and spirit of the open meeting laws and regulations.
7. Maintaining confidentiality of closed sessions.
8. Preventing conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest and informing the entire Board or the Board President when a matter under consideration might involve such a conflict, as stated in the District’s Conflict of Interest Code.
9. Using appropriate channels of communication, authority and responsibility.
10. Devoting adequate time to board work.
11. Being informed about the District, educational issues, and responsibilities to trusteeship.
12. Promoting a healthy working relationship with the President/Superintendent through supportive, open, and honest communication and regular evaluation.