Policy: 1815
By-Laws of the Board
Ethical Conduct for Board Members
Each board member has taken an oath of office to support the constitutions of the United States and Washington state, and the laws of Washington state. Further, each board member is subject to the Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers, chapter 42.23 RCW.
The board and each of its members are committed to upholding the oath of office and to ethical behavior.
Ethical behavior is an individual responsibility.
Each board member and the board as a whole will base their conduct on these core ethical principles:
Objectivity – Board members must place the public’s interest before any private interest or outside obligation. Choices need to be made on the merits.
Selflessness – Board members should not take actions or make decisions in the performance of their position to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.
Stewardship – Board members should conserve public resources and funds against misuse and abuse.
Transparency – Board members must practice open and accountable government. They should be as open as possible about their decisions and actions, while protecting truly confidential information.
Integrity – Board members should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organizations that might inappropriately influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Failure to adhere to these core ethical principles or failure to comply with other policies adopted by the board or the law may result in the school board taking formal censure of the offending school director in accordance with 1825 – Addressing School Board Director Violations. In addition, willful or negligent noncompliance with state law may result in further consequences, such as individual civil penalties, recall petitions, and forfeiture of office.
Cross References:
1111 - Oath of Office
1220 - Board Officers and Duties of Board Members
1610 - Conflicts of Interest 2nd Class Districts
1610 - Conflicts of Interest 1st Class Districts
1825 – Addressing School Board Director Violations
5271 - Reporting Improper Governmental Action (Whistleblower Protection)
Legal Resources:
RCW 28A.320.040 Bylaws for board and school government
RCW 28A.343.360 Oath of Office Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1296 (2025), Section 305(2)
RCW 28A.635.050 Certain corrupt practices of school officials—Penalty
RCW 29A.56.110 Initiating proceedings—Statement— Contents—Verification—Definitions
RCW 42.20 Misconduct of Public Officers RCW 42.23 Code of Ethics for Municipal Officers— Contract Interests
Adopted 11/2025