B-100 District Board Member Standards of Practice

Members of the District Board should endeavor to be prepared to discuss items on the agenda, suggest other items for consideration, and vote upon motions and resolutions presented.

Official District Board decisions shall be made during duly constituted meetings. Individual District Board members or groups of District Board members do not have independent authority to speak for or act on behalf of the District Board and should make no out-of-meeting commitments unless directed to do so on behalf of the District Board.

It is crucial that District Board members be nonpartisan in dealing with school matters and not subordinate the education of youth and adults to any partisan principle, group interest, or personal ambition (See Policy B-110 – Code of Ethics and Policy B-150 – Conflict of Interest).

STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS

It is this Policy expectation that each District Board member shall provide leadership, guidance, and direction for the College by promoting the Vision and Mission, upholding the reputation, and fostering the economic well-being of the College. Each District Board member shall:

• Act in the best interests of our Students and the entire College Community.

• Exercise the duties and responsibilities with integrity, collegiality, and care.

• Represent the College in a positive and supportive manner on and off campus.

• Act according to District Board policies and the laws of the United States, the State of Wisconsin, and local ordinances.

• Create an atmosphere in which diversity of opinion is welcomed and respected, controversial issues or different philosophical stances can be presented fairly, and the dignity of everyone is maintained.

• Cultivate a sense of group responsibility for collective rather than individual decisions.

• Refrain from engaging in conduct that may embarrass the College or adversely affect its reputation or the District Board’s governance.

Enforce upon themselves whatever discipline is needed to govern with excellence.

• Attend all regular and special District Board meetings unless excused from attendance. 

• Accept the responsibility of being informed of the College's significant initiatives, the global perspective of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), and related national activities so that each District Board member is better able to make the necessary decisions that maintain or strengthen our commitment to Students at the College.

The obligations and responsibilities of an individual District Board member shall be as follows:

• To promote Student learning.

• To be familiar with state laws concerning technical education, regulations of the WTCS, and the District policies, rules, and procedures.

• To know the District’s educational philosophy, including its Mission, goals, and objectives.

• To work harmoniously with other District Board members.

• To vote and act in the District Board meetings impartially for the good of the District.

• To accept the will of the majority vote in all cases and support the resulting action.

• To promote the interest of and support for the College.

• Refer complaints to the President/District Director and abstain from individual counsel and action.

• To prepare for full District Board and committee meetings by reviewing agenda material before meetings.

• To participate, when possible, in committee meetings.