A-120: Trustee Code of Conduct
References:
- A-120-BR, Trustee Code of Conduct
- A-150, Discrimination and Harassment
- A -170 Whistleblower Protection
- D-180, Resolution of Complaints/Concerns Regarding Division Staff
- Trustee Handbook
- Education Act, Section 33, 34 (C)
- Education Act, Section 85-88
- ASBA Policy 3 – Role of the Trustee
- ASEBP Policy 4 – Trustee Code of Conduct
The St. Albert Public Board of Trustees believes that members of the board represent the community of St. Albert through the democratic process. The board is committed to the highest of ethical standards and recognizes that as trustees, they are entrusted with the educational development of the children and youth of the community. The board expects trustees to act in the best interests of students of the division, without distinction as to who they are or what their background may be.
Trustees realize that the future welfare of the community depends in large measure upon the quality of education provided to the children and students in our schools.
The role of the trustee is to contribute to the work of the board as it carries out its mandate to govern and achieve its vision, mission, beliefs, values and principles. The oath of office taken by each trustee when they assume office binds that person to work diligently and faithfully in the cause of public school education.
The board expects every trustee to:
- make decisions on issues before the board in the best interest of students in consideration of their fiduciary duty and the public interest, acting with an open mind, based on all facts;
- disclose the nature of any conflict of interest, and abstain from discussion or voting on the matter in question;
- work with fellow trustees in the spirit of co-operation, despite differences of opinion that arise during vigorous debate on issues brought before the board;
- respect the corporate decisions of the board;
- recognize that individual trustees have no legal authority to bind the board, act on behalf of the board, or direct the administration; refrain from intentionally giving the appearance of speaking on behalf of the board on issues that the board has not taken a position;
- respect the confidentiality of information disclosed to them in the course of being a trustee;
- work on behalf of the board to communicate to the community the facts about the school system in order that the community can support public school education;
- never use the position of trustee for personal benefit, or the benefit of any other individual or agency apart from the total interest of the division;
- respect the authority of the superintendent of schools to direct the work of the administration;
- foster positive relationships between the board and its stakeholders;
- encourage active participation by stakeholders with respect to establishing policy on current school operations and proposed future developments;
- seek and receive communication from stakeholders to inform decision making on matters before the board;
- become familiar with division policies and procedures, meeting agendas and reports in order to participate in board business while observing the Trustee Handbook for the conduct of board meetings; and
- respect the office of the board chair, the vice-chair and the authority delegated to those positions by the board.