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Board approves change to conflict-of-interest policy to bar votes on hiring spouse, parent or child
Summary
The Board of Education voted to add a provision to Policy 9120 prohibiting board members from voting on the permanent employment of a spouse, parent or child. The amendment was approved after members debated whether to adopt a broader recusal clause or keep language aligned with outside legal advice.
The Board of Education voted June 11 to amend Policy 9120 (Conflict of Interest) to bar board members from voting on the permanent employment of a spouse, parent or child.
The change was made after discussion about following outside legal advice and whether the district should add broader recusal language covering other relatives. A board member moved to approve Policy 9120 with the additional third bullet reading, “A board member will not be permitted to vote on the permanent employment of a spouse, parent, or child.” The motion passed on a roll-call vote.
Members debated options during the discussion. Several board members said they preferred language that mirrored Shipman/Goodwin model policy and state practice; others argued adding a specific recusal sentence would avoid the expense of independent counsel if a dispute arose. Board legal counsel was cited during the debate as recommending streamlined language; board members raised concerns that narrowly listing relatives (spouse, parent, child) could leave gaps for extended family or close personal relationships.
Board members who spoke said that employment actions covered by the policy include hiring, appointment and termination, and that recusal would apply to those matters. The board added the specific third bullet to Policy 9120 and approved the revised policy.
The vote to adopt the amendment was recorded as passed. The board then moved on to other agenda items.
