Courtesy of John Lee Evans, Trustee, San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD):
Recent events have focused attention on the role of board members and the board’s ethical guidelines and enforcement. I decided that it was time to move forward with a clear policy for board members that is open and transparent to the public. Ultimately, the voters decide who is an ethical and effective board member.
Board Governance policy states that the Superintendent is the sole point of direction for staff members. The Board is very clear that the Superintendent has not made personnel decisions based upon pressure from any Board member. The Superintendent keeps the entire Board apprised of potential personnel changes and her reasons for those changes.
But there was a perception by some staff members and by the public that one board member had undue influence on such decisions. We need to address any perception, especially by staff, that a board member is exerting undue influence. I proposed four additions four additions to board governance policy to prevent future problems. They were all approved.
First, if a board member attempts to direct a staff member or displays unprofessional behavior to that staff member, the Superintendent will discuss the problem with the Trustee and then issue a memo to all board members regarding the incident. This is the first step in shining light on the offense. If that is not sufficient or if such incidents recur, the Superintendent will place it on an open board meeting agenda for public discussion. With the new policy even an attempt by a board member to direct operations would be made public, as would any unprofessional conduct by a board member towards a staff member.
Second, the Superintendent was directed to set up a reporting policy for employees who feel that they are being operationally directed by a board member or treated unprofessionally. This needs to be done in a way that ensures that there is not any retaliation.
Third, within sixty days following the election of each new Trustee the full board will participate in training by experts on conflict of interest laws and ethics. We will have our first board governance workshop on March 15 with our outstanding new board member from District E, Dr. Sharon Whitehurst- Payne.
Fourth, if a new Trustee has a child in San Diego Unified, the Trustee, Superintendent and the staff at that school will have a conference in the first month of the Trustee’s term to address the distinction between the role as a parent and the role as a Trustee.
Certain behavior is prohibited by the Board’s Code of Conduct. But the above additions will serve to prevent certain misconduct and provide remedies when it occurs. We must hold ourselves to a high standard. As the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan once said, “We as public officials must set an example for the nation…we must hold ourselves strictly accountable.”
Finally, don’t miss the annual Taste of the Triangle on Friday, May 6 at the UC Faculty Club. This is your chance to show your support for University City neighborhood schools.
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