Fact Bulletin #1: Upholding Integrity: The Trustee Code of Conduct
Ahead of the upcoming General Election, the Peace River School Division (PRSD) is sharing essential information with electors about the roles and responsibilities of a School Board Trustee through a series of fact bulletins, framed around the question, "Did you know?"
Now, onto our first topic...
Did you know... Every School Board Trustee is bound by a legislated Code of Conduct ensuring each member acts with integrity, accountability, and transparency in all official duties?
For the Policy 4: Trustee Code of Conduct sets the high ethical standard that the public expects of its elected representatives and governs how the Board conducts themselves, manages conflicts, and interacts with the Division as a whole.
Core Principles and Values
Trustees are expected to perform their duties with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Trustees have a duty to act honestly, in good faith, and always in the
best interests of the Division. This means upholding the law and policies and observing the
highest standard of ethical conduct.
Respecting the Decision-Making Process
A cornerstone of governance is the understanding that decision-making authority lies with the Board as a whole, not with any individual Trustee. The Board acts only by a resolution passed at a public meeting.
- One Voice: Individual Trustees must not attempt to bind the Board or express personal views as being on behalf of the Board unless officially authorized to do so.
- Accurate Communication: Trustees must accurately communicate the decisions of the Board, even if they disagreed with the vote. This is crucial for fostering respect for the collective decision-making process.
By adhering to this Code of Conduct, Trustees ensure that the focus remains on the students and that Divisional governance is both ethical and efficient.
Vote October 20
The Peace River School Division has an election in Wards 2, 3, 4, and 5 on October 20. Exercise your right to vote either in the advanced poles or on election day. Complete polling station information is available on our elections page.