Section 233.111. Code of conduct and Commissioners’ rights

(a) Code of conduct. Members of the Commission will:

(1) Respect the rights and opinions of the Commission’s constituencies.

(2) Enhance the public image and mission of the Commission.

(3) Assess the performance of the Commission.

(4) Prepare for, regularly attend and actively participate in Commission and committee meetings.

(5) Vote according to one’s convictions, challenge the judgment of others when necessary, support the majority decisions of the Commission and work with other Commissioners to implement the majority decisions.

(6) Base judgments on what is best for the advancement of education as a whole and, in all of their deliberations, consider the public interest.

(7) Refrain from actions and involvements that might prove embarrassing to the Commission.

(8) Speak on behalf of the Commission and represent the Commission only when authorized to do so by the Chairperson, Executive Director or the Commission.

(9) Serve freely and without honoraria when representing the Commission.

(10) Abide by the legal and fiscal responsibilities of the Commission as specified by law, the bylaws, the Governor and the Governor’s executive offices and the Department.

(11) Disclose fully the nature of a conflict of interest and abstain from voting when these conflicts arise.

(12) Conform to 65 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 (relating to Public Official and Employee Ethics Act) and 4 Pa. Code Chapter 7, Subchapter K (relating to code of conduct for appointed officials and State employees), including the timely filing of required reports.

(b) Rights of Commissioners.

(1) A Commissioner may address groups or organizations concerning the work of the Commission but will not represent himself as an official spokesperson for the Commission unless so authorized by the Commission or the Chairperson or the Executive Director.

(2) A Commissioner may solicit or receive information from any group, organization or person.

(3) Commissioners may not accept gifts, remuneration or honoraria except as permitted by 65 Pa.C.S. Chapter 11 and 4 Pa. Code Chapter 7, Subchapter K. The Commission will adopt a policy pertinent to this subsection advising the circumstances when gifts, remuneration and honoraria are and are not permissible.

The provisions of this § 233.111 adopted May 3, 2002, effective May 4, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 2226.