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Resources to comply with Alabama's School Board Governance Improvement Act



QUICK LINKS: AASB School Board Member Academy  |  Upcoming Events  |  Board Training 

Click the links below to access the
School Board Governance Improvement Act 2012
Documents and Resources available as of April 2014

 

 

 


 

CERTIFICATE OF AFFIRMATION OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

 

As required by the School Board Governance Improvement Act of 2012, I do hereby affirm all of the following principles of educational governance:

1.     That each decision, action and vote I take or make as a member of the school board shall be based solely on the needs and interests of students or the system.

2.     That I will take or make no decision, action or vote to serve or promote my personal, political, or pecuniary interests.

3.     That each decision, action and vote I take or make shall be based on the educational interests of the school system as a whole.

4.     That I will consider the views of all members of the board and the superintendent before making a decision or taking an action on any measure or proposal before the board.

5.     That, except to the extent otherwise provided by law, I shall take formal action only upon the written recommendation of and in consultation with the superintendent, and that I may not individually or jointly attempt to direct or corrupt the operations of the school system in a manner inconsistent with the discharge of the statutory functions and responsibilities of the superintendent.

6.     That I shall actively promote public support for the school system and a sound statewide system of public education, and shall endorse ideas, initiatives and programs that are designed to improve the quality of public education for all students.

7.     That I shall attend scheduled meetings and actively participate in school system functions, activities and training programs that promote quality boardsmanship unless good cause is shown.

Affirmed on this _____ day of ______________________, 20_____

 
By:                                                                          (Signature)
                                                                          (Print Name)
                                                                              Board of Education

                                            

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MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR

LOCAL BOARDS OF EDUCATION

 

The                         Board of Education desires to operate with the highest standards of stewardship and principles of public service possible and to that end the board adopts this Code of Conduct to provide that members of this public governing board will:

 

I.  CONDUCT OF INDIVIDUAL

 

1.     Attend and participate in regularly scheduled and called board meetings.

2.     Read and prepare in advance to discuss issues to be considered on the board agenda.

3.     Recognize that the authority of the board rests only with the board as a whole and not with individual board members.

4.     Uphold and enforce applicable laws, rules and regulations of the local board and the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining specifically to the school system.

5.     Render all decisions based on available facts by exercising independent judgment instead of the opinion of individuals or special interest groups.

6.     Work with other board members and the superintendent to establish effective policies to further the educational goals of the school system.

7.     Make decisions on policy matters only after full consideration at public board meetings.

8.     Comply with the requirements of the School Board Governance Improvement Act.

9.     Communicate in a respectful, professional manner with and about fellow board members and the superintendent.

10. Take no action that will compromise the board or school system administration.

11. Refrain from using the position of school board member for personal or partisan gain or to benefit any person or entity over the interests of the school system.

12. Inform the superintendent and fellow board members of business relationships or personal relationships for any matter that will come before the board.

13. Abstain from voting on or seeking to influence personnel or other actions involving family members or close associates or private interests.

14. Communicate to the board and the superintendent public reaction to board policies and school programs.

15. Advocate for the needs, resources, and interests of the public school students and the school system.

16. Safeguard the confidentiality of nonpublic information.

17. Show respect and courtesy to staff members.

 

II.  CONDUCT OF INDIVIDUALS AT BOARD MEETINGS

 

1.     Work with other board members in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during the discussion and resolution of issues at board meetings.

2.     Take actions that reflect that the first and foremost concern is for the educational welfare of all students attending system schools.

3.     Make decisions in accordance with the interests of the school system as a whole based on system finances available to accomplish educational goals and comply with the School Fiscal Accountability Act.

4.     Abide by and support all majority decisions of the board.

5.     Act on personnel recommendations of the superintendent in a timely manner, particularly when there are financial implications of such decisions.

6.     Approve operating budgets and budget amendments that are aligned with system goals and objectives and are fiscally responsible.

7.     Honor and protect the confidentiality of all discussions during executive session of the board.

 

III.  CONDUCT OF THE BOARD AS A WHOLE

 

1.     Recognize that the superintendent serves as the chief executive officer and secretary to the board and should be present at all meetings of the board except when his or her contract, salary or performance is under consideration.

2.     Honor the superintendent’s authority for the day-to-day administration of the school system.

3.     In concert with the superintendent, regularly and systematically communicate board actions and decisions to students, staff and the community.

4.     Review and evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs to improve system performance.

5.     Develop, in concert with the superintendent, the vision and goals for the school system to address student needs, advance student performance, and monitor the implementation of policies and programs.

6.     Provide opportunities for all members to express opinions prior to board action.

 

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The School Board Governance Improvement Act of 2012

 

·       The purpose of this Act is to enhance the effectiveness of public school governance by Alabama school boards.

o   Board members should function collectively, not individually, to govern a local school system that promotes student learning and prepares students for college and careers.

o   Board members have the duty to act in the best interests of the local school system as a whole, without self-interest.

 

·        An individual board member must meet minimum qualifications to serve, comply with a code of conduct, and participate in orientation and ongoing training.

 

·       This Act requires an official affirmation by the board member upon taking office that:

o   The actions and decisions made as a school board member will be based on the needs and interests of the students and the school system.

o   No decision or action will be made to serve or promote the personal, political, of financial interests of the school board member.

o   Each decision or action will be based on the interests of the school system as a whole.

o   The views of all school board members and the local superintendent will be considered before making a decision or taking action on any matter before the board.

o   Formal actions will be taken after recommendation and consultation with the local superintendent and that board members may not individually or jointly attempt to direct or corrupt school operations, or obstruct the local superintendent’s duties.

o   The board member will promote public support for the school system and endorse programs to improve the quality of public education for all students.

o   The board member will attend scheduled meetings and participate in training programs and school functions.

 

·       This Act establishes new duties for school board members:

o   Work with the local superintendent to establish a vision for the school system by adopting goals that address student needs, advance student performance, and review data to monitor implementation of policies and programs.

o   Adopt policies and programs to meet the adopted goals and respond to system needs recommended by the local superintendent.

o   Address personnel recommendations submitted by the local school superintendent in a timely manner and take personnel actions based on student needs and system finances without regard to personal preferences or political interests.

o   Approve operating budgets aligned with the adopted goals as recommended by the local superintendent.

o   Advocate for the needs, resources, and interests of students and allow the local superintendent to address constituent issues.

·       The State Superintendent will develop continuing education and training programs for school board members to provide each school board member with an understanding of the role of the school board member in assuring the effective provision of educational services.

 

·       The State Board of Education will adopt a model code of conduct for local school board members by December 31, 2012.  Each school board will adopt a code of conduct for the local school board that includes the adopted model code of conduct before April 1, 2013.

 

·       The State Superintendent will develop and issue regulations to implement this Act including regulations needed to impose sanctions against a school board member for failure to meet training and attendance requirements, neglect of duty, or willful misconduct:

o   Formal censure or reprimand by the local board.

o   After investigation of serious and substantial allegations of misconduct by a local school board member or members, the State Superintendent may recommend the State Board of Education approve sanctions including:

§  Formal censure or reprimand by the State Board of Education.

§  Disqualification from future school board service by the school board member.

 

·       The Act amends current laws for city and county school board members to require a school board member to vacate office when the school board member moves from the school district the school board member represents.

 

·       Eligibility for election or appointment to a school board now requires:

o   The person is of good moral character.

o   Has a high school diploma or equivalent.

o   Is not employed by the same school board.

o   Is not serving on the board of a private school or college.

o   Is not a registered sex offender.

o   Is not a convicted felon.

 

 

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