The Sunrise Educational Society
Principles of Good Practice and Confidentiality Agreement
The following principles establish the professional and ethical standards that guide interactions between members of the Sunrise Educational Society (SES) Board of Directors and their constituents. The SES Principles of Good Practice (PGPs) and Confidentiality Agreement create a shared framework, defining responsibilities and expectations that uphold the Society’s commitment to advancing the school’s long-term success.
Principles of Good Practice:
1. A Director understands, supports and promotes the School’s guiding documents including, but not limited to, the Mission, Vision, Values, Strategic Plan, and Philosophy Statement.
2. A Director understands, supports and promotes the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, reconciliation, justice and accessibility.
3. A Director stays informed about current Board activities and issues by attending meetings regularly, coming to meetings prepared, and participating in all matters.
4. A Director contributes to legal and fiscal oversight, including long-range strategic planning, policy development, risk management, and active involvement in annual and capital giving; and, does not become involved in specific operational management, personnel, or curricular issues.
5. Each Director, not just the Treasurer and Finance Committee, has fiduciary responsibility to the school for sound financial management.
6. A Director takes care to separate the interests of the school from the specific needs of a particular parent, student, employee or constituent.
7. A Director accepts and supports Board decisions. Once a decision has been made, the Board speaks as one voice publicly.
8. A Director actively avoids conflicts of interest, whether personal or business-related, and promptly discloses any potential or perceived conflicts to the Board President.
9. A Director is responsible for supporting the School, the Head of School, Faculty, and the leadership team, while actively demonstrating that support within the community. This includes fostering goodwill, adhering to the Board and school policies, and giving particular attention to the communication policy.
10. Authority is vested in the Board as a whole. A Director who learns of an issue of importance to the school has the obligation to bring it to the Head of School, or to the Board Chair, versus responding to the situation individually.
11. A Director is responsible for reading and understanding the Directors Handbook.
Confidentiality Agreement:
Board members must maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive information, including student information, personnel matters, legal issues, and financial data. Such information may only be used for fulfilling board responsibilities and must not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals, both during and after board service, except as required by law or policy.
I, ________________________, (print name) have read and fully understand the Principles of Good Practice and Confidentiality Agreement. I agree to uphold these principles as written. If I have questions or require clarification on any statements, I understand that it is my responsibility to seek guidance. I acknowledge that any breach of these principles or confidentiality may result in disciplinary action or other appropriate consequences.