The board commits itself and its members to ethical and businesslike conduct. This includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as board members. The Wisconsin State Statutes will be the base document for reference: Chapter 19 - General Duties of Public Officials and Chapter 946 - Crimes Against Government and its Administration.
- Members represent loyalty to the interests of the residents of the Waukesha County Technical College District. This accountability supersedes any conflicting loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups and membership on other boards or staffs. It also supersedes the personal interest of any board member acting as a consumer of the organization’s services.
- Members must avoid conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility
- There must be no self-dealing or any conduct of private business or personal services between any board member and the organization except as procedurally controlled to assure openness, competitive opportunity and equal access to inside information
- When the board is to consider an issue as to which a member has an unavoidable personal conflict of interest, that member shall not participate in any way in the consideration or vote upon such issue. A member who asserts that an unavoidable personal conflict of interest requires him or her to withdraw shall disclose the nature of such conflict of interest. Where required by reasons of confidentiality, such disclosure may be made privately to the board chair.
- Board members must not use their positions to obtain employment in the organization for themselves, family members or close associates. Should a member desire employment, he or she must first resign.
- Potential conflict of interest documentation will be recorded through the State Statutes 19.46 ethics statement. Between annual filings, board members will make information known as appropriate.
- Board members may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization except as explicitly set forth in board policies.
- Members’ interaction with the chief executive or with staff must recognize the lack of authority vested in individuals except when explicitly board-authorized.
- Members’ interaction with public, press or other entities must recognize the same limitation and the inability of any board member to speak for the board.
- Members will not use information received from individuals regarding the CEO or staff performance except as a supplement to further investigation by the board if it deems necessary.
- Members will respect and protect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.
- Members will receive an orientation and board handbook containing specific references to the Board’s Code of Conduct.
- Members will appropriately address citizen requests brought before them.
Drafted: June 7, 1996
Approved: January 28, 1997
Reviewed: February 7, 2002
Revised: November 22, 2005
