Board attorney briefs Chatham trustees on School Ethics Act and HIB procedures

The School District of the Chathams Board of Education received its annual legal training Wednesday evening from board attorney Francis Febres, who reviewed the School Ethics Act and the state Anti‑Bullying (HIB) Bill of Rights Act and explained how the laws shape board conduct and disciplinary procedures.

Febres told trustees the School Ethics Act exists to preserve public confidence and requires board members to act collectively, avoid using their position for direct or indirect personal benefit, and recuse themselves when a vote would confer an impermissible advantage. She gave concrete examples — from vendor solicitations and tutoring services to use of mailing lists and facility requests — to show how otherwise well‑intentioned actions can create ethical problems if they advantage a board member or an associate.

On confidentiality and communications, Febres advised board members to refer complaints to district administration rather than investigating independently, to protect student and personnel records, and to use disclaimers when speaking about school matters on social media to avoid implying they represent the full board.

Febres then reviewed the Anti‑Bullying (HIB) Act’s definition and the district process: staff must report reliable information; the superintendent appoints an anti‑bullying specialist; an investigation must be completed within 10 school days (extendable for new information); the superintendent reports findings to the board; parents receive an informational letter within five days and may request a board hearing (typically scheduled within 10 days); and parents may appeal to the commissioner within 90 days or file a civil rights complaint within 180 days.

Superintendent Dr. Sortino introduced Dr. Rosenthal, who provided a mid‑year HIB update: "So far this year through, the 2025, we have had 15 affirmed HIB investigations and 16 not affirmed HIB investigations." Rosenthal also provided school‑level counts: Chatham High School 7, Chatham Middle School 14, Lafayette 9 and Milton Avenue School 1, and noted four principal determinations across schools (one at CHS, one at Southern Boulevard, two at Lafayette).

Febres closed by reminding trustees that the board’s role is policy and oversight, not administration, and that adherence to statutory timelines and confidentiality requirements is essential to protect students’ rights and the district from avoidable legal exposure.