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NJ School Boards Association leads annual ethics refresher for Verona board
Summary
Jean Cleary of the New Jersey School Boards Association delivered the board's annual ethics training, reviewing the School Ethics Act, filing and training deadlines, examples of conflicts, recusal rules, and guidance on social media and volunteering.
Jean Cleary of the New Jersey School Boards Association led the Verona Board of Education through its annual code-of-ethics training on April 8, telling members the presentation was “meant for training and information purposes and not as legal advice.”
Cleary summarized the School Ethics Act and the School Ethics Commission’s role in enforcing it, and highlighted several concrete obligations: board members and lead administrators must file financial and personal-relative disclosure statements; new board members must complete Governance 1 within 90 days of taking office; and filings are required annually by April 30. “It’s your individual responsibility to make sure you’re in compliance,” she said.
The presentation included examples drawn from advisory opinions and enforcement cases. Cleary described the commission’s sanctions — reprimand, censure, suspension and removal — and used recent cases to illustrate boundaries: board members may not use board resources or counsel for private matters, may need to recuse themselves from personnel decisions involving family members, and should avoid actions that would reasonably lead the public to question their objectivity. On recusal she stressed that a statement that a member has recused themselves should be recorded in the meeting minutes rather than treating a conflict as an ordinary abstention.
Cleary also addressed common conflict scenarios involving outside business activities and volunteering: serving as a PTO leader, running a business that sells to the district, or holding a regular administrative role in school-sponsored activities can create the perception of undue influence. On social media she advised caution: “The SEC considers the content, substance, and context of the statement to determine if a reasonable person would believe the statement was made in your official capacity,” and recommended using the commission’s suggested disclaimer when appropriate.
Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions at the meeting. The board thanked Cleary for the presentation and noted they would consult their board attorney for case-specific guidance when necessary.
