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Ethics Panel
The Ethics Panel consists of five
members, who are residents of Howard County and are appointed
for staggered five-year terms by the Board of Education.
Ethics
Regulations
Members of the Board of Education
and all employees of The Howard County Public School System are covered by the Ethic Regulations.
The regulations cover:
- Conflict of interest
- Outside employment
- Gifts and honoraria
- Use of prestige of office
- Disclosure of confidential information
for financial gain
Financial Disclosure
Board
members and selected administrators are required to make certain
disclosure statements on an annual basis because of their relationship
to the decision-making steps for the expenditure of public funds.
Lobbying Disclosure
Any
person whose intent is to influence a Board member or any employee
or any person who has business with The Howard County Public School
System and expends in excess of $75 in food, entertainment, or
gifts for that person must disclose this fact by registering as
a lobbyist with the Ethics Panel.
Sanctions
Violation by any Board
member or employee of the provisions of these regulations shall
constitute grounds for discipline or personnel action or removal
from office where provided by law, consistent with procedures
set forth in the Education Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland or the policies of the Board of Education of Howard
County.Persons or organizations found
in violation of the lobbying provisions of these regulations shall
be publicly identified and subject to other penalties as provided
by law.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted
by the Ethics Panel if it is determined that application of the
provisions would (1) constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy,
(b) significantly reduce the availability of qualified persons
for public service, or (c) not be required to preserve the purposes
of these regulations.
Advisory Opinions
One of the duties of the
Ethics Panel is to provide advisory opinions to persons subject
to the regulations as to the applicability of these provisions.
The panel provides interpretation of these regulations based on
the facts provided or reasonably available to it.
Complaints
The Ethics Panel also
handles and makes determinations as to complaints filed by any
person(s) alleging violation of these regulations. The Panel will
meet within 15 working days of receiving a complaint. All complaints
are treated confidentially and will, upon determination of the
Ethics Panel, be referred to the Board of Education for dismissal
or further action. Copies of the Complaint form may be obtained
from Kim Clare, 410-313-6602. |
