In order to instill public confidence in public office and provide public accountability, School Board members shall avoid conflicts of interest involving any matter pending before the Board. A conflict of interest exists when a member is confronted with an issue in which the member has a personal or financial interest or an issue or circumstance that could render the member unable to devote complete loyalty and singleness of purpose to the public interest. Board members owe the public a duty to act in the best interests of the District.

Accordingly:

1. Decision making. A Board member may not participate in deliberating or voting on any decision when it is reasonably possible that the Board member or a family member may benefit personally or financially from the decision. In such a case, the Board member shall abstain from voting and notify the Superintendent and Board president of the conflict of interest.
2. Appearance of impropriety. When a situation may create the appearance of impropriety, even where state and federal laws do not require any action, the Board members shall disclose the interest, abstain from voting and avoid the appearance of impropriety. In addition, the Board member shall not attempt to influence the decisions of staff or other Board members on the issue.
3. Other duties. Board members are expected to avoid conflicts of interest in their other duties. This covers:
   1. Confidential information. Board members shall not disclose or use confidential information acquired during the performance of official duties as a means to further their own personal or financial interests or the interests of a family member.
   2. Gifts. Board members shall not accept a gift or economic benefit that would tend to improperly influence a reasonable person or that Board members know or should know is primarily for the purpose of rewarding them for official action.
   3. Business dealings with staff. Board members shall not engage in a financial transaction for private business purposes that Board members directly or indirectly supervise.
   4. Compensation for services. Board members shall not receive any compensation for services rendered to the District from any source except compensation for serving on the Board and reimbursement of expenses incurred as a Board member, as allowed by policy.
4. Other legal obligations. Board members shall comply with state and federal laws pertaining to conflicts of interest. Nothing in this policy restricts or affects Board members' duty to comply with those laws.

(cf.3315 - Relations with Vendors )
(cf.4112.8 - Employment of Relatives)
(cf.3315.1 - Conflict of Interest)

Legal Reference:

ALASKASTATUTES
14.08.131 Disqualification from voting for conflict of interest
14.14.140 Restriction on employment
11.56.100 - 11.56.130 Bribery and related offenses
29.20.010 Conflict of interest

 

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
4 AAC 18.031 Employment of members of immediate families of school board members
4 AAC 18.900 Definitions