Tabernacle School District held its reorganization meeting
Three board of education members were sworn into three-year terms.
The Tabernacle School District held its reorganization meeting this week, where three board of education members were sworn into three-year terms.
The November election results for the term totaled 1,634 votes for Stephen J. Henske Jr., 1,514 votes for Brian Lepsis and 146 votes for Daniel Dilks.
Following the oath of office for these three members, Victoria Shoemaker was voted president of the board and Julia Sailer was voted vice president, which are effective until the next reorganization meeting scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.
The board then underwent its annual requirement of completing ethics training, led by Jessie Adams, a field service representative from the New Jersey School Boards Association.
Adams said this training is beneficial for new members of the board and board veterans alike, giving them a chance to get refreshed on the regulations.
New board members must participate in orientation their first year, finance training their second year and student achievement their third year.
Adams began his presentation by reviewing the school ethics act that has been effective since 1992, stating it is essential the conduct of members of local boards of education and local administration hold the respect and confidence of the people. These board members and administrators must avoid conduct that is in violation of their public trust.
“Bottom line on the act is as a public official, as an elected official, you should not do anything, take any action or say anything that could break the public’s trust,” Adams said.
Through this act, the school ethics commission was established, which is made up of nine board members (no more of five from any one political party). SEC is made up of five non-school officials, two school board members and two school administrators.
SEC is available to give advisory opinions to determine if certain activity is deemed a violation of the act, as well as review ethics complaints and give penalties to those who have violated the act. The penalties range from reprimand, censure, suspension and removal.
Adams also reviewed potential conflicts of interest for the board to be aware of, including business interests; use of position to secure unwarranted privileges, advantages or employment; financial involvement; gift or favor offered with the intent to influence; personal involvement that creates a benefit and service or employment that may prejudice independent judgment.
As far as board members volunteering in the district, Adams said generally board members may volunteer for activities that support their children. Members should refrain from certain activities based on the degree of involvement with students/staff and the degree to which the member has authority to give and receive directions to staff. Board members who volunteer in the schools should advise the superintendent and relevant staff.
Adams said the NJSBA recommends the board of education develop a list of board members and administrators who have a conflict and review it regularly, to consult with the board attorney to identify conflicted members/administrators and to continue to check school board notes to be aware of newly released advisories.
