1815 - Ethical Conduct for School Directors

April 17, 2024
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POLICY No. 1815

Policy Statement
Each board director has taken an oath of office to support the Constitutions of the United States and Washington state. The Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors and each of its school directors is committed to upholding the oath of office and to ethical behavior.

Ethical behavior is an individual responsibility. Each school director and the board as a whole will base their conduct on these core ethical principles:
Objectivity – School directors must place the public’s interest before any private interest or outside obligation – choices need to be made on the merits.

Selflessness – School directors should not take actions or make decisions in the performance of their position in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Stewardship – School directors should conserve public resources and funds against misuse and abuse.

Transparency – School directors must practice open and accountable government. They should be as open as possible about their decisions and actions, while protecting truly confidential information.

Integrity – School directors should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might inappropriately influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Failure to adhere to these core ethical principles or failure to comply with other policies adopted by the board or the law may result in the school board taking formal censure of the offending school director in accordance with 1825 – Addressing School Board Director Violations.

Cross References:
Board Policy 1111 Oath of Office
Board Policy 1220 Board Officers and Duties of Board Members
Board Policy 1610 Conflicts of Interest
Board Policy 1825 Addressing School Board Director Violations
Board Policy 5271 Reporting Improper Governmental Action (Whistleblower Protection)

Legal Resources:
RCW 28A.320.040 Bylaws for board and school government
RCW 28A.635.050 – Certain corrupt practices of school officials
RCW 42.20 – Misconduct of Public Officers

Adopted: April 16, 2024