210.1   CONFLICT OF INTEREST – CHARTER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

I.          PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to observe state statutes regarding conflicts of interest for charter school board members and to engage in charter school business activities in a fashion designed to avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety.

II.        GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

It is the policy of the charter school board to conform with statutory conflict of interest laws and act in a manner that will avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance thereof.

III.       CONFLICTING BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

A.        A member of a charter school board of directors is prohibited from serving as a member of the board of directors or as an employee or agent of, or contractor with, a for-profit entity with whom the charter school contracts, directly or indirectly, for professional services, goods, or facilities. A violation of this prohibition renders a contract voidable at the option of the Commissioner of Education (Commissioner).  A member of a charter school board of directors who violates this prohibition shall be individually liable to the charter school for any damage caused by the violation.  An individual may serve as a member of the board of directors if no conflict of interest under this paragraph exists.

B.         A member of a charter school board of directors that serves as a member of the board of directors or as an employee or agent of, or contractor with, a nonprofit entity with whom the charter school contracts, directly or indirectly, for professional services, goods, or facilities, must disclose all potential conflicts to the Commissioner.

C.        The charter school board member conflict of interest provisions do not apply to compensation paid to a teacher employed by the charter school who also serves as a member of the board of directors.

D.        The charter school board member conflict of interest provisions do not apply to a teacher who provides services to a charter school through a cooperative formed under Minn. Stat. Ch. 308A when the teacher also serves on the charter school board of directors.

Legal References:      Minn. Stat. § 124D.10, Subd. 4a (Charter Schools; Conflict of Interest )

Cross References:      

First Reading:  4/19/05           

Second Reading:           5/17/05           

                                                                                                Adopted:          5/17/05