Summary SFUSD BOE Ethics and Conflict of Interest

Photo of public school entrance with the words #PublicSchoolLove

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) SFUSD Board of Education, Ethics and Conflict of Interest document, emphasizes the the following related to the Board's accountability to the community.

Responsiveness to the Community: The Board's foundational principle is responsiveness to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community it serves. All decisions and actions are expected to reflect this commitment.

Transparency and Openness: The emphasis on open meetings (following the Brown Act), prohibition against back-channel communication among Board members, and the requirement for public disclosure of financial interests and relevant relationships ensures community access to information and promotes transparency in decision-making. This fosters trust and accountability.

Professional Conduct: The expectation of professional and respectful conduct from Board members ensures that all community members are treated with respect and that their input is valued in decision-making processes. This includes ensuring diverse community voices are heard and considered.

Accountability for Performance: The Board's commitment to regularly evaluating its own effectiveness demonstrates a dedication to community accountability. By acknowledging areas for improvement and striving for continuous improvement, the Board reinforces its commitment to fulfilling community expectations,

Conflict of Interest Provisions: The strict rules regarding financial conflicts of interest and gift acceptance are designed to prevent situations where personal interests could outweigh the interests of the community. This ensures that Board decisions are driven by community needs, not individual gain.

Public Disclosure Requirements: The requirement for public disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, personal or professional relationships that could impact decision-making, reinforces the Board's commitment to transparency and accountability to the community.

In essence, the Ethics and Conflicts of Interest document establishes a framework where the Board's actions are subject to community scrutiny and oversight, emphasizing its responsibility to act ethically and transparently in the best interests of the students and the entire San Francisco community.

Reference:

SFUSD Ethics and Conflict of Interest here