Members of the public must be assured that public officials and employees act with impartiality and independent judgment. Confidence and trust are eroded when the conduct of public business is or appears to be improperly influenced.

As outlined in policy and administrative regulations, the district's Code of Ethics sets standards for Board commissioners and City Schools employees for conduct of school system business. The code covers

• Conflict of interest
• Outside employment
• Gifts and honoraria
• Use of prestige of office
• Disclosure of confidential information

Code highlights

Ethics Panel. The code establishes this advisory body to interpret the policy and advise those subject to it as to its application. Meet the panelists.

Financial disclosure. Board members and designated employees who play a role in decision making about expenditure of public funds are required to file certain financial disclosure statements on an annual basis.

Lobbying disclosure. Any person whose intent is to influence a Board member or any employee or any person who has business with Baltimore City Public Schools and expends, within a reporting period, 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. 

• Lobbying registration form
• Lobbying report form

Gift disclosure. An official may not solicit gifts but can accept them under certain circumstances. 

Vendors. As required under Code of Ethics regulations, a list of vendors doing business with City Schools of $5,000 or more is updated and posted monthly.

• Download the current list

Sanctions. Violation by any Board member or employee of the code's provisions constitutes grounds for discipline, personnel action, or removal from office where provided by law, consistent with procedures set forth under the Annotated Code of Maryland or the policies of the Board of School Commissioners. Persons or organizations found in violation of the lobbying provisions shall be publicly identified and subject to other penalties as provided by law.

Exemptions. Exemptions may be granted by the Ethics Panel if the interests of the employee are too remote and insubstantial to affect the integrity of public actions, or if it is determined that application of the provisions would constitute an unreasonable invasion of privacy, significantly reduce the availability of qualified persons for public service, or not be required to preserve the purposes of these regulations.

Advisory opinions 

The Ethics Panel provides advisory opinions to persons subject to the regulations as to the applicability of these provisions based on the facts provided or reasonably available to the panel at the time of deliberation. The panel also handles and makes determinations as to complaints filed by any person alleging violation of these regulations. The panel will meet within 15 working days of receipt of a complaint. All complaints are treated confidentially and will, upon determination of the Ethics Panel, be referred to the Board of School Commissioners.

• Instructions for requesting an advisory opinion
• Application for an advisory opinion
• Application for an expedited opinion
• Request for guidance on panel participation

Linked below are opinions issued in 2018 or later. For other opinions, please contact the Board office.

Complaints

The Ethics Panel also handles and makes determinations as to complaints filed by any person alleging violation of these regulations. The panel will meet within 15 working days of receipt of a complaint. All complaints are treated confidentially and will, upon determination of the Ethics Panel, be referred to the Board of School Commissioners.

• Complaint form
• Rules and procedures for hearings after a complaint has been filed