Policy 6 – Trustee Code of Ethics

The Board commits itself and its members to the highest standards of ethical and appropriate conduct. This includes proper use of authority, appropriate decorum in individual and group behaviour and fair and respectful treatment of students, parents, staff, members of the community and other Board members.

The Board and its members shall adhere to the following Standards of Conduct, ensuring effective governance, fostering a culture of trust, and promoting respectful relationships within the district:

Board members will:

  1. Support and advance the mission, vision, and values of the Abbotsford School District and act in the best interests of students, families, and the community.
  2. Devote time, thought, and study to the duties of a trustee to be effective and provide credible service.
  3. Consider information received from all sources and base personal decisions upon all available facts while maintaining confidentiality of privileged information.
  4. Work with fellow trustees in a spirit of harmony and co-operation and be respectful of differences of opinion.
  5. Maintain the integrity, confidence and dignity accorded to public office by refraining from making discrediting comments or unwarranted criticism of fellow trustees, the Board, or employees, in or out of the Board room.
  6. Observe proper decorum and behaviour and encourage full and open discussion in all matters with fellow trustees and not withhold or conceal from them any information or matter with which they should be concerned.
  7. Treat fellow Trustees, staff, students, parents and community members with respect and dignity, fostering a positive and inclusive environment within the school district.
  8. Recognize that, as a corporate board, authority to make decisions can only be made within an official meeting of the Board, respecting the established governance practices.
  9. Maintain the integrity of the Board and the position of the trustee when communicating and interacting with outside individuals and agencies. This includes full disclosure to participants when attending meetings as an ordinary citizen.
  10. Uphold and respect the majority decisions of the Board, demonstrating a commitment to collective decision-making.
  11. Be loyal to the interests of public education and the Board.
  12. Demonstrate discretion when making public statements that do not reflect the corporate opinion of the Board.
  13. Deal appropriately with sensitive issues and respect the confidentiality of discussions that take place during in-camera sessions.
  14. Not disclose the confidential business of the Board.
  15. Represent the best interests of the entire District. This accountability supersedes any conflicting loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and membership on other Boards or staffs or acting as an individual consumer of the district’s services.
  16. Be mindful of legislation governing conflict of interest and avoid placing themselves in positions of conflict of interest. A trustee will not participate in, vote on, or exert influence on, any decision in which the trustee has any interest.
  17. Engage in continuous learning and professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills, staying informed about education related matters and governance best practices.
  18. Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies of the district.

References

Policy 6 - Appendix 1 Sanctions

Last Revised: January 23, 2024

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