Attorney reviews School Ethics Act and board conduct rules at Jan. 7 meeting

Jacob Minton, an associate with the Cognigno Law Group, presented the School Ethics Act and the board—s code of ethics to the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education at the Jan. 7 meeting, outlining common pitfalls and examples of violations.

Minton told the board that the presentation does not replace required state-provided school ethics training and that members remain responsible for completing that training by the mandated deadline. "You guys still have to do that, unfortunately," he said, adding that the handout provided lists the School Ethics Act subsections for members to follow.

Minton grouped the guidance under themes: follow the rules, put students first, avoid micromanaging, do not promise administrative actions, avoid conflicts and personal gain, keep confidentiality, and give proper weight to superintendent recommendations. He described repeated examples the State Ethics Commission has addressed, including board members who directly intervened in personnel matters, volunteered in roles that put them in supervisory positions over students or staff, disclosed confidential executive-session information, or used social media in ways that compromised public trust.

He warned that board members who volunteer in school activities should avoid supervisory roles or handling money and advised against posting district or confidential matters online. "Everyone thinks that whatever happens in executive session stays in executive session. But sometimes people will tell their spouses or will tell their significant others," Minton said, urging members to hold matters confidential and to follow channels for complaints—referring them first to the superintendent before raising the matter at a public meeting only after an administrative solution has failed.

Minton reviewed conflict rules and distinctions between "immediate family" and "relative" under state nepotism regulations, and said members should recuse themselves from personnel or negotiation matters that directly affect covered family members. He also answered questions from board members about booster clubs, fundraising, and volunteer activities, advising that members avoid handling money or taking supervisory roles in such activities.

The board was provided a written acknowledgment form to sign after the presentation, and Minton encouraged members to consult the board attorney or the Cognigno Law Group if questions arise in future. The district will retain the acknowledgment forms as part of the public record.