Plainville Community School District

1. I will be a staunch advocate of high quality free public education for all Connecticut children. In fulfilling my responsibilities, I will think of "children first".
2. I will, as an agent of the state, uphold and enforce all laws, rules, regulations and court orders pertaining to public schools. I will strive to bring any needed change only through legal and ethical procedures.
3. I will strive for high standards, which support student achievement. I will help create public school policies which meet the individual educational needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, physical condition or social standing.
4. I will work unremittingly to help my community understand the importance of proper support for public education, whether it be in providing adequate finances, optimum facilities, staffing and resources, or better educational programs for children.
5. I will join with my board, staff, community and students in becoming fully informed about the nature, value and direction of contemporary education in our society. I will support needed change in our schools.
6. I will strive to ensure that the community is fully and accurately informed about our schools, and will try to interpret community aspirations to the school staff.
7. I will recognize that my responsibility is not to "run the schools" through administration, but together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run through effective policies.
8. I will attempt to confine my board action to policy-making, planning and appraisal, and will help to frame policies and plans only after my board has consulted those who will be affected by its actions.
9. I will arrive at conclusions only after discussing all aspects of the issue at hand with my fellow board members in a meeting. I will respect the opinions of others, and abide by the principle of majority-rule.
10. I will recognize that authority rests only with the whole board assembled in a meeting, and will make no personal promises nor take any private action, which may compromise the board.
11. I will acknowledge that the board represents the entire school community, and will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interests and partisan political groups. I will never use my position on the board for gain of myself or my friends.
12. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to schools which, if disclosed, might needlessly injure individuals or the schools.
13. I will insist that all school business transactions be open and ethical.
14. I will strive to appoint the best professional leader available when an administrative vacancy exists .
    
15. I will refer all complaints through the proper "chain of command" within the system, and will act on such complaints at public meetings only when administrative solutions fail.

Reference: "Standards of Leadership for Members of Boards of Education" (CABE Board of Directors, 1977)