Purpose
This policy establishes the ethical standards and expectations for members of the Clearview Library District Board of Trustees ("the Board"). Trustees operate under Colorado Library Law (CRS 24-90-101 et seq.) and the Colorado Code of Ethics for public officials (CRS 24-18-101 et seq.) and are entrusted to act with integrity, transparency, and accountability in service to the public. Trustees shall conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the public trust, avoids impropriety or the appearance of impropriety, and supports the District's mission.
Guiding Principles
Non-Discrimination. Our commitment to welcoming all requires that our decisions and practices be free from discrimination. Trustees must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, pregnancy, marital status, or familial status.
Conflict of Interest and Recusal. Trustees shall not use their role to gain unwarranted privileges or advantages. Trustees must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest, as defined in CRS § 24-18-102. Trustees shall recuse themselves from discussion and voting on such matters.
Confidentiality. Trustees are to maintain the confidentiality of executive session discussions, personnel matters, and any information designated as confidential by law or policy. Trustees must uphold patrons’ right to privacy and comply with District policies, as well as state and federal laws governing freedom of information.
Restrictions on gifts and personal benefits. Trustees shall not accept gifts that exceed the defined amount in the District’s Procurement Policy. Trustees must not derive any monetary benefit by reason of their position as a member of the Board of Trustees in compliance with Board by-laws and the Procurement Policy.
Separation of personal views from board action. Trustees shall clearly distinguish personal opinions from official Board positions. Once the Board has acted, trustees shall uphold the decision of the Board, regardless of personal views.
Defense of intellectual freedom & resistance to censorship. Trustees must be prepared to resist censorship and support District policies to ensure that the Library serves the community's diverse needs and interests and, therefore, contains a variety of materials representing a broad range of subjects and viewpoints.
Compliance with Colorado open-government law. Trustees must comply with the Open Meetings Law (Sunshine Law, C.R.S. §24-6-401 et seq.) and the Colorado Open Records Act.
Fiduciary duty & responsible stewardship. Trustees serve as a fiduciary steward of the District. Trustees must exercise prudent budget oversight, responsibly manage public funds, and act in the best interests of the District rather than their personal interests.
Standards of Conduct
Trustee are expected to use their best judgment, conscience, and expertise to make informed decisions for the common good. Authority rests with the Board as a whole; individual trustees do not have authority to act on behalf of the District unless expressly authorized.
Trustees who accept appointment to a Library Board shall perform all of the functions of Library Trustees.
Oath of Office
I, __________________________, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the constitution of the State of Colorado, the laws of the State of Colorado, and that I will faithfully perform the duties of Trustee of the Clearview Library District to the best of my ability.
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Signature
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Date
Adopted June 25, 2026.