State Board Adopts Code Of Ethics Guidelines

By Paula Bowles

In a move to strengthen accountability throughout the state, the State Board of Career and Technology Education on April 29 approved code of ethics guidelines for technology centers.

“This code of ethics puts into place a standard set of guidelines for all technology centers,” said Phil Berkenbile, state director. “We want to ensure our resources are used properly and that Oklahomans can know that we are providing the best service possible.”

“At the very heart of these guidelines is a focus on students and clients,” Berkenbile continued. “This is fundamental to all decision making.”

Other areas of focus include accountability to taxpayers and patrons, roles of boards and employees, communication and professional development and conduct. For example, the guidelines state that each technology center district will provide information, through an annual report or profile, which measures program success.

Another example addresses “conflict of interest.” It states, “it is improper for a board member or school administrator to profit financially from interest in a business which publishes, manufactures, sells, or in any way deals in goods or services which are, or may be expected to be, purchased by the school system they serve.”

All technology centers will be required to have in place a code of ethics that meets or exceed these guidelines by Oct. 1, 2004. The policies and procedures of technology centers also will comply with these guidelines.

A committee consisting of board members, staff, legislators, technology center superintendents and representatives from other organizations developed this code of ethics. The committee looked at codes of ethics from other institutions and associations.

“The committee working on the code of ethics brought different perspectives and represented a broad range of interests,” said Sue Arnn, board and committee member. “Everyone made a significant contribution and, with input throughout the system, we were able to come to consensus on what this code would include.”

Doug Major, president of the superintendents association, said that he was pleased with the outcome of the committee process and feels the guidelines will be well received by the technology center boards and administrators. “The committee produced guidelines focused first and foremost on the interest of students and clients. The codes of ethics developed by technology centers will serve as a constant reminder of our purpose.”

Download code of ethics doc.file here