Bylaws of the Board
Board Bylaw No. 9005
Bylaw Adopted:  June 11, 2001

GOVERNANCE STANDARDS

The Governing Board believes that its primary responsibility is to act in the best interests of every student in the district. The Board also has major commitments to parents/guardians, all members of the community, employees, the state of California, laws pertaining to public education, and established policies of the district. To maximize Board effectiveness and public confidence in district governance, Board members are expected to govern responsibly and hold themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

(cf. 9000 - Role of the Board)
(cf. 9270 - Conflict of Interest)

The Board expects its members to work with each other and the Superintendent to ensure that a high-quality education is provided to each student.  Each individual Board member shall:

1.  Keep learning and achievement for all students as the primary focus

2.  Value, support and advocate for public education  

(cf. 9010 - Public Statements)

3.  Recognize and respect differences of perspective and style on the Board and among staff, students, parents and the community

4.  Act with dignity, and understand the implications of demeanor and behavior 

5.  Keep confidential matters confidential 

(cf. 9011 - Disclosure of Confidential/Privileged Information)

6.  Participate in professional development and commit the time and energy necessary to be an informed and effective leader 

(cf. 9240 - Board Development)

7.  Understand the distinctions between Board and staff roles, and refrain from performing management functions that are the responsibility of the Superintendent and staff

8.  Understand that authority rests with the Board as a whole and not with individuals 

(cf. 9200 - Members)

Board members also shall assume collective responsibility for building unity and creating a positive organizational culture. To operate effectively, the Board shall have a unity of purpose and:  

1. Keep the district focused on learning and achievement for all students
2. Communicate a common vision
3. Operate openly, with trust and integrity
4. Govern in a dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect
5. Govern within Board-adopted policies and procedures 

   (cf. 9311 - Board Policies) 

   (cf. 9312 - Board Bylaws)

6. Take collective responsibility for the Board's performance
7. Periodically evaluate its own effectiveness 

   (cf. 9400 - Board Self-Evaluation)

8. Ensure opportunities for the diverse range of views in the community to inform Board deliberations

   (cf. 9323 - Meeting Conduct)

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35010  Power of governing board to adopt rules for its own governance 35160  Board authority to act in any manner not conflicting with law 35164  Actions by majority vote
GOVERNMENT CODE
1090  Financial interest in contract
1098  Disclosure of confidential information
1125-1129  Incompatible activities
54950-54962  The Ralph M. Brown Act
87300-87313  Conflict of interest code