REDWOODS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Board Policy
BP 2715
CODE OF ETHICS / STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
The Board maintains high standards of ethical conduct for its members. The Board of Trustees adopts
the following Trustee Code of Ethics as a guide to individual Trustees and as standards for use in it its
periodic evaluation of its collective performance. Trustees shall comply with the letter and spirit of all
applicable laws and shall strive to:
1. Code of Ethics:
1.1. Protect the interests of students in every decision and assure the opportunity for high-quality
education for every student.
1.2. Use the powers of the office honestly and constructively, communicating and promoting the
needs of the community to the College, and the needs of the College to the community.
1.3. Avoid situations which have or appear to have potential for personal gain and to act honestly
and openly at all times.
1.4. Recognize that the primary duty of the Board is to represent the entire college District with
awareness at all times of special needs of each of the center/instructional sites.
1.5. Act only in the best interests of the entire community.
1.6. Maintain an atmosphere in which controversial issues can be debated openly and fairly,
protecting the dignity of individuals.
1.7. Respect others; act with civility.
1.8. Base decisions upon all available facts in each situation, vote their honest conviction, and
abide by the final majority decision of the Board.
1.9. Recognize that the information and deliberation of the Board in closed session must not be
disclosed or discussed with anyone else without the prior approval of the Board.
1.10. Follow the Board’s policies and procedures and the orderly agenda of the District.
2. Standards of Practice:
2.1. Be informed about the District, educational issues, and responsibilities of trusteeship.
2.2. Devote adequate time to Board work.
2.3. Use appropriate channels of communication.
2.4. Prevent conflicts of interest and the perception of conflicts of interest.
2.5. Respect the letter and intent of the Ralph M. Brown Act, taking official actions in public
sessions.
2.6. Ensure public input into Board deliberations; adhering to the law and spirit of the open
meeting laws and regulations.
2.7. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged and Closed Session information.
2.8. Exercise authority only as a Board.
2.9. Delegate authority to the President/Superintendent as the Board chief executive officer and
confine Board action to policy determination, planning, performance evaluation, and
maintaining the fiscal stability of the District.
2.10. Shape the direction of the District through strategic planning, setting goals and priorities and
annually evaluating the President/Superintendent’s performance in furthering the mission of
the District.
2.11. Recognize the importance of understanding and evaluating the educational program of the
District and of providing for long-term educational planning.
2.12. Refrain from interference in administrative areas.
The President of the Board is responsible to address charges or perceptions of violations, what steps will
be taken to examine and address both legal and ethical violations, and possible consequences of
violations.
The President/Superintendent Chief Executive Officer and Board President President of the Board are
authorized to consult with legal counsel when they become aware of or are informed about actual or
perceived violations of pertinent laws and regulations, including but not limited to conflict of interest,
open and public meetings, confidentiality of closed session information, and use of public resources.
Violations of law may be referred to the District Attorney or Attorney General as provided for in law.
Violations of the Board’s Code of Ethics policy will be addressed by the President of the Board, who
will first discuss the violation with the Trustee to reach a resolution. If resolution is not achieved and
further action is deemed necessary, the President of the Board may appoint an ad hoc committee to
examine the matter and recommend further courses of action to the Board. Sanctions will be determined
by the Board officers (or committee) and may include a recommendation to the Board to censure the
Trustee. Censure is an official expression of disapproval passed by the Board. If the President of the
Board is perceived to have violated the code, the Vice President of the Board is authorized to pursue
resolution.
Reference: Accreditation Standard IV.B.1.a, e, & h ACCJC Accreditation Standard IV.C.11 (formerly
IV.B.1.a, e, & h)
Adopted by Board of Trustees: 9/11/05
Amended: December 10, 2013