0146. 	BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY

A Board member does not possess individually the authority and powers that reside in the Board of Education.  No Board member by virtue of his/her office shall exercise any administrative responsibility with respect to the operation of the school district or as an individual command the services of any school district employee.

Release of Information

Board member access to public, personnel, and pupil records shall be governed by law and by the provisions of Policy Nos. 8310, 8320, and 8330.

Confidential information to which a Board member becomes privy as a result of his/her office shall be used only for the purpose of helping the member discharge his/her responsibilities as Board member.  No Board member shall reveal information contained in a confidential record or received during a duly convened private session of the Board except when that information has been released to the public by the Board.  

Public Expressions

Board members are entitled to express themselves publicly on any matter, including issues involving the Board and the school district.  Individual Board members cannot, however, express the position of the Board except as expressly authorized, in accordance with Board Policy No. 9120.  A Board member shall not represent his/her personal opinion as the position of the Board and shall include in all formal expressions in which his/her Board affiliation is likely to be recognized, such as letters to government officials or newspapers, speeches to organizations, and the like, a statement that the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Board.

Board members visiting a school shall comply with district policy and procedures for school visitors.

Members of the Board shall adhere to the Code of Ethics for Board members in Bylaw 0142.

N.J.S.A. 18A:11-1

Date Adopted:	October 18, 2010  
Date Revised:	May 19, 2020