Connecticut Association of School Business Officials

Code of Ethics

An educational administrator's professional behavior must conform to an ethical code.  The code must be idealistic and at the same time practical so that it can apply reasonably to all educational administrators.  The administrator acknowledges that the schools belong to the public they serve for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to all.  However, the administrator assumes responsibility for providing professional leadership in the school and community.  This responsibility requires the administrator to maintain standards of exemplary professional conduct.  It must be recognized that the administrator's actions will be viewed and appraised by the community, professional associates and students.  To these ends, the administrator subscribes to the following statements of standards:

A.   Makes the well-being of students the fundamental value in all decision making and actions.

B.   Fulfills professional responsibilities with honesty and in­tegrity.

C.   Supports the principle of due process and protects the civil and human rights of all individuals.

D.   Obeys local, state and national laws and does not knowingly join or support organizations that advocate, directly or in­directly, the overthrow of the government.

E.   Implements the governing board of education's policies and administrative rules and regulations.

F.   Pursues appropriate measures to correct those laws, policies and regulations that are not consistent with sound educational goals.

G.   Avoids using positions for personal gain through political, social, religious, economic or other influence.

H.   Accepts academic degrees or professional certification only from duly accredited institutions.

I.    Maintains the standards to seek and improve school business administration through research and continuing education of school business officials.

Standards of Conduct for Connecticut School Business Officials

In relationships within the school district it is expected that the school business official will:
1. Support the goals and objectives of the employing school system
2. Interpret the policies and practices of the district to subordinates and to the community fairly and objectively
3. Implement, to the best of the official’s ability, the policies and administrative regulations of the district
4. Assist fellow administrators as appropriate in fulfilling their obligations
5. Build the best possible image of the school district
6. Refrain from publicly criticizing board members, administrators, or other employees
7. Help subordinates achieve their maximum potential through fair and just treatment

In the conduct of business and the discharge of responsibilities, the school business official will:
1. Conduct business honestly, openly, and with integrity
2. Avoid conflict of interest situations by not conducting business with a company or firm in which the official or any member of the official’s family has a vested interest
3. Avoid preferential treatment of one outside interest group, company, or individual over another
4. Uphold the dignity and decorum of the office in every way
5. Avoid using the position for personal gain
6. Never accept or offer illegal payment for services rendered
7. Refrain from accepting gifts, free services, or anything of value for or because of any act performed or withheld
8. Permit the use of school property only for officially authorized activities
9. Refrain from soliciting contributions from subordinates or outside sources for gifts or donations to a superior

In relationships with colleagues in other districts and professional associations, it is expected that the school business official will:
1. Support the actions of a colleague whenever possible, never publicly criticizing or censuring the official
2. Offer assistance and/or guidance to a colleague when such help is requested or when the need is obvious
3. Actively support appropriate professional associations aimed at improving school business management, and encourage colleagues to do likewise
4. Accept leadership roles and responsibilities when appropriate, but refrain from “taking over” any association
5. Refrain from using any organization or position of leadership in it for personal gain