Christian School Board Member Code of Ethics

By: Dennis W. Mills, Ph.D.

A Board member is expected to:

1. Be faithful in attendance at all board meetings. If unable to attend they are responsible for notifying the board secretary or chairman in advance so that materials may be mailed to the absent board member.
2. Prepare for each board meeting by reviewing agenda, minutes of past meeting and other materials which should be reviewed.
3. Be willing to give of his time and talent with a joyous spirit and faithfully pray for the school.
4. Direct appropriate inquiries and complaints regarding school matters to school administrator.
5. Commend the staff continually.
6. Refrain from inappropriate discussion of school board business at any non-business functions or gatherings.
7. Use God-given discretion in deciding what matters can be shared with his/her spouse so as to cultivate and maintain important partnership relationships with the spouse. Matters pertaining to personnel and other matters of sensitive nature should not be shared outside of meetings.
8. Place a high priority on attending as many school functions as possible.
9. Be a member in good standing of a local church or fellowship. Membership is to be defined by the church in question.
10. Refrain from reprimanding a teacher directly. Even when dealing with his own child's teacher, board members must seek first to speak the truth in a kind way so as to avoid intimidation.
11. Abstain from entering into the day-to-day operation of the school.

 

The board, collectively, is expected to:

1. Be the policy maker in the establishment of policy directives, curriculum selection, dress and disciplinary codes.
2. Be responsible for making the final approval on hiring/dismissal of all personnel.
3. Always call board meeting with the knowledge of the administration.
4. Deal with all employees on the basis of Matthew 5:22-24, 18:15-20, and other such passages which teach Christ-like attitudes and dealings between Christian brothers.

 

Christian School Board Member Requirements and Responsibilities

1. You are expected to be a spiritual leader and example (I Tim 6:17-19)
2. You need to know the Christian school philosophy of education.
3. School Boards need written policies and you need to know them.
4. You must know the role of the board and leave the administration of the school to the administrator.
5. You need to have a good job description for your administrator.
6. Support or Send (fire) your administrator.
7. Board members only have delegated authority, or when meeting as a board, but not as individuals!!!
8. You need to develop a strong relationship with your administrator.

1. Encourage and compliment him/her.
2. Hire the best and keep her/him. (hard to find!!)
3. Issue him/her a contract before the teachers. Consider a multi-year contract.
4. Know the chain of command for the school and how the administrator fits in.

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This page was last updated on: March 19, 2001