3357:12-11-05-Ethical and Professional Conduct of a Trustee

ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF A TRUSTEE 3357:12-11-05

ORC 2921.42 Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract
Section 2921.42 | Having an unlawful interest in a public contract.

This section describes conflicts of interest that must be avoided. The Board commits itself and its Trustees to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as Trustees.
The responsibilities as described above and the authority to act, apply to the Board as a whole and not individual Trustees. The Board commits itself and its Trustees to ethical, businesslike, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate
decorum when acting as a Trustee. No Trustees shall have the power to act in the name of the Board outside regular or special Board meetings unless so directed by the Board of Trustees.
Trustees must have loyalty to the College, un-conflicted by loyalties to staff, other
organizations, and any personal interest as a consumer. Trustees must avoid conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility in regard to:

• Self-Dealing: A trustee or a trustee’s business or employer cannot benefit at the detriment of the College. Trustees will annually disclose their involvements with
• other organizations, vendors, or any associations that might be or might reasonably be seen as a conflict.
• Voting on a Resolution: When the board is to decide upon an issue about which a trustee has an unavoidable conflict of interest, that trustee shall abstain from vote and deliberation as practicable.
• Obtaining Employment with the College: Trustees may not use their board position to obtain employment in the organization for themselves, family members, or close associates. Should a Trustee apply for employment, they must first resign from the Board.

Trustees may not attempt to exercise individual authority over the organization.

• Trustees will respect confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.
• Trustees will be properly prepared for Board deliberation.
• Trustees will support the legitimacy and authority of Board decisions, irrespective of the individual’s position on the issue.
• Trustees will lead by example through the contribution of time, talent, and treasure as able and appropriate.

Last Reviewed: August 2024