Board Member Expectations and Conduct

Prior to taking a seat on the Board of Education, Board Members shall take the Chicago Board of Education Oath of Office that provides the following:

I, (name of Board Member), do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago, in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and all applicable federal and state laws, to the best of my ability.

I further swear that:

I shall respect taxpayer interests by serving as a faithful protector of the school district's assets;

I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow Board Members and others who seek a hearing before the Board, while respecting the privacy of students and employees;

I shall recognize that a Board Member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a vote at a public board meeting;

I shall abide by decisions of the Board, while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels;

I shall abide by the Board of Education Operating Procedures Manual and Board Rules and Policies;

I shall avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from my position, and will not use my Board membership for personal gain or publicity;

I shall foster with the Board extensive participation of the community, formulate goals, define outcomes, and set the course for Chicago Public Schools;

I shall assist in establishing a structure and an environment designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework;

I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children, in compliance with State law;

I shall serve as a key advocate on behalf of students and our community's schools to advance the vision for Chicago Public Schools; and

I shall strive to work together with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the school district toward fulfilling the vision the Board has created, fostering excellence for every student in the areas of student learning and well-being, as well as healthy, safe, engaging, and academically challenging school experiences, that prepare each student for college, career, and civic life.

1. Each Board Member must sign and submit the Oath of Office to the Board Secretary by the first day of the term to which the Board Member is appointed or elected.
2. Each Board Member who is taking office shall either read the Oath during an open meeting and swear or affirm to follow it as indicated in the Oath, or a group of Board Members or entire Board may take the Oath simultaneously.
3. The Oath shall be administered at an open meeting by the Board President, Secretary of the Board, or a designee.