Code of Ethics

BE IT RESOLVED that the following Code of Ethics, developed by the New Jersey State Board Association, be adopted as the code to which each Fair Lawn Board of Education Member subscribes during the election term of January 2022 to January 2023:

  • I will uphold and enforce all laws, state board rules and regulations and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes should be brought only through legal and ethical procedures.

  • I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools, which meet the individual needs of all children, regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.

  • I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action, which may compromise the board.

  • I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.

  • I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools, which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals, or the schools. But in all other matters, I will provide accurate information and in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff at the aspirations of the community for its schools.

  • I will confine my board actions to policy making, planning and appraisal. I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer schools, but together, with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.

  • I will vote to appoint the best-qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.

  • I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.

  • I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on such complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.