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Thursday, November 18, 2010
Code of Conduct
The ASD Board of Education has a Code of Conduct. I was told that the most important thing for me to do right now is to read and learn the Code of Conduct. Please take a minute to review the Code of Conduct page, and give me your feedback here. We will be discussing this Code in January.
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Advocate taking back our REPUBLIC.
ReplyDeleteHere a couple of the items in the code of conduct that give me pause:
ReplyDeleteA) Respect and include Superintendent and Business Administrator for input as part of the board. -- Respect needs to be earned not demanded.
B) Have faith in the administrators. -- Again this is something that has to be earned. I believe in part some people were elected because community members want to see a change.
C) Show unity as a board. -- again some people were elected because the community wants to see a change from the status quo.
D) Value every voice in the educational community. -- Really! every voice? Listen I agree with but value.
Generally this is too long and should be shortened and simplified. Just talk about principles (understand your duties, listen, be respectful ...) Also, I don't see the word parents, constituents, or voters. Aren't these the people that board members really represent?
Dittos on Rod's comment. I counted ten reminders to respect, honor, and support the will of the district administration and board. but not a single reference to respecting the will of parents, families, or the voters who elected them. Astonishing.
ReplyDeleteNew blog post on this topic at:
ReplyDeletehttp://fortifyingourfamilies.org/2010/11/16/toward-openness-and-accountability-to-parents/
I am feeling the same concerns as Rod Mann. Valuing every voice implies that there is no one view that is absolutely correct. But truth and principle never yield to opinion, even if it is the "unified" opinion of the entire board. I was glad to read in another post where you said,
ReplyDelete"I will vote with the majority when they are in the right and against them when they are in the wrong. I see the role of the school board as representing and protecting the interests of the families to the district, not as representing the interests of the district to the families."
I am concerned about the wording of this. It seems to imply that the administration and the majority of the board always know best and the rest of the board should support them always. That is not why we have elected our board members. They are there to SET policy and to ensure the rights and desires of the parents are protected. This isn't a bad document, but the focus needs to be sharpened toward the parents and not the school district.
ReplyDeleteI DO think it is strange that you once a decision is made, you have to support it. AND, I think you absolutely have to push your own agenda items. So, I don’t think the Code of Conduct looks reasonable for those two points. Wendy, I know you’re going to face some serious opposition. The existing board is going to think they know best and be hesitant to accept any other POV. Be brave and stand up for yourself! Your constituents are here to support you!
ReplyDelete