BB 9010 — PUBLIC STATEMENTS

Bylaws of the Board BB 9010

PUBLIC STATEMENTS

The Board of Education recognizes the responsibility of Board members in their role as
community leaders to participate in public discourse on matters of civic or community
interest, including those involving the District, and their right to freely express their
personal views. However, to ensure communication of a consistent, unified message
regarding District issues, Board members are expected to respect the authority of the
Board to choose its representatives to communicate its positions and to abide by
established protocols.

BOARD SPOKESPERSON

All public statements authorized to be made on behalf of the Board shall be made by the
Board president or, if appropriate, by the Superintendent or, with respect to a specific
issue or topic, other representative as designated by the Board or Board president.

(cf. 2110 - Superintendent of Schools: Responsibilities and Duties)
(cf. 9121 - President)
(cf. 9200 - Board Members)

When speaking for the Board, a spokesperson shall exercise restraint and tact to
communicate the message in a manner that promotes public confidence in the Board's
leadership.

Board spokespersons shall not disclose confidential information or information received
in closed session except when authorized by a majority of the Board. (Government Code
54963)

(cf. 9005 - Governance Standards)
(cf. 9011 - Disclosure of Confidential Information)

STATEMENTS BY INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS

When speaking to community groups, the media, or other members of the public,
individual Board members should recognize that their statements may be perceived as
reflecting the views and positions of the Board. Board members have a responsibility to
identify when a viewpoint is held by an individual Board member rather than the Board as
a whole. For example, a Board member may include a disclaimer on the Board member's
personal social media account that the Board member is expressing personal viewpoints and
not those of the Board or the District.

(cf. 1100 - Communication with the Public)
(cf. 1112 - Media Relations)
 BB 9010(b)
PUBLIC STATEMENTS (cont.)

Board members who opt to express their opinions on District matters, whether in-person
or online, are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and professional
manner and to model good behavior for District students and the community.

(cf. 1113 - District and School Web Sites)
(cf. 1114 - District-Sponsored Social Media)
(cf. 1340 - Access to District Records)
(cf. 9012 - Board Member Electronic Communications)

Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35010 Control of district; prescription and enforcement of rules
GOVERNMENT CODE
6250-6270 California Public Records Act
54960 Actions to stop or prevent violation of meeting provisions
54963 Confidential information in closed session

Management Resources:
WEBSITES
California School Boards Association: www.csba.org

Chino Valley Unified School District
Bylaw adopted: August 17, 1995
Reviewed: October 21, 2010
Revised: November 21, 2013
Revised: November 21, 2024