Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy Ethics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board tables amendment on administrator ethics language after members seek MSBA guidance
Summary
Board members debated proposed MSBA model-policy language that would bar administrators from joining or supporting organizations that "advocate directly or indirectly to the overthrow of the government," then tabled a motion to strike the clause until MSBA legal guidance can be obtained.
Board members discussed proposed superintendent/administrator ethics language from MSBA model policy that would prohibit administrators from knowingly joining or supporting organizations that "advocate directly or indirectly to the overthrow of the government." Several board members called the phrase extreme and potentially vague; others urged caution and asked for MSBA's legal rationale.
Member Christiansen proposed striking the clause and replacing it with a shorter directive to "obey local, state and national laws, period." Several board members asked administration to consult MSBA about the origin and intent of the language before making a change to the model policy. Superintendent Dr. Massey said he concurred the phrase is "rather extreme" and could not envision staff engaging in such activity; he recommended asking MSBA for context.
A motion to remove the clause was made and then tabled at the board's request pending information from MSBA and legal review. The board noted it could revisit the amendment at the Sept. 4 meeting after administration consults MSBA and returns with recommended language or background.
Ending The board tabled the proposed deletion and asked administration to obtain MSBA and legal guidance about the provision's origin and intended use; the item may return for amendment at the next meeting.
