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Outside counsel reviews board ethics, nepotism and social‑media rules
Summary
A Bush Law Group attorney provided a refresher on the school‑board code of ethics and prohibited conduct under state law, stressing conflict‑of‑interest limits, confidentiality for personnel matters and the need for disclaimers when board members speak publicly in a private capacity.
The board received a mandatory ethics refresher from outside counsel at its Nov. 1 meeting covering state statutes and the board code of ethics.
The presenter, identified as counsel from the Bush Law Group, said the law prohibits school officials from using their position to secure “unwarranted privileges, advantages, or employment for himself, members of his immediate family, or others,” and cited the code of ethics language that board members must confine their actions to policy making rather than school administration. The attorney referenced statutory citations regularly used in ethics cases and advised practical steps to avoid conflicts of interest.
On social media and public commentary, counsel instructed board members to distinguish statements made as private citizens from official board communications. As an example, the presenter said: “You need to say, ‘I’m Joe. I’m a member of the board of education. I’m making this statement in my own personal capacity, and I’m not speaking on behalf of the board.’ ” Counsel noted that even with a disclaimer a board member may not disclose confidential personnel information or publicly disparage district employees because of the board’s confidentiality obligations.
The talk reviewed specific statutes and district policies the board must follow, and counsel answered board questions about relatives employed in the district, participation in contract votes where an appearance of favoritism exists, and the limited role of board members in day‑to‑day administration. The board was reminded of required annual training and policies governing nepotism and social‑media use.
