As some of our board members could stand being held to 1, 2, 3a, e and f, I have to say I'm all for those!
That said, I have to agree with Mark's Mom. I can't see making somebody sign a code of conduct. I know it's true (and sad!) that people sometimes actually have to be told what's appropriate behavior, but if that's the case, I see a code of conduct as something that should be in the standing rules rather than a signed document. The control issue is there for me. Like Tim, I don't plan on cursing out some members I'd like to while holding a beer in one hand and a crack pipe in the other, but I have a problem with being lectured to before I actually was accused of something.
As far as the background checks go, I'm on the fence. It can't hurt if you can afford to do it, and it would be helpful in finding that (God Forbid!) possible pedophile or rapist in your midst. In most cases though you aren't going to catch (asides from the DWIs or DUIs) the alcoholic or drug abuser, or the child/wife abuser. I'd worry about be given a false sense of security.
In the end I'm for being honest and forthcoming if you're having a problem with something, though I'll admit it doesn't always make you very popular! If someone has an OBVIOUS problem, by all means pull them aside and talk to them. As uncomfortable as it is to do, it's a hell of a lot better than sitting around feeling angry and stressed. Plus you end it early before something potentially dangerous could happen. Here in North Jersey, I wish someone had pulled aside a mother who ended up beating and kicking her 13(14?)-year old child to death last year. She was a known problem and had been accused of being abusive, and would show up loaded at the school and teacher conferences. People talked, but rather than take the chance of being "wrong," no one SAID or DID anything. In the end the kid died. The entire staff is under investigation for their lack of action.
I'm off my soap box now! While I'm sure that no one else would have a situation as bad as that, it gives you food for thought. Is a code really going to do anything? And it seems to me the potential problems later on down the road that could arise from it outweigh any possible benefit. Signing it doesn't mean they're actually going to honor it, and what are the consequences if you don't obey the code? Do you the bend the rules ever, or is it zero tolerance? What happens if the board lets something slide once; does it set a precedent? If it were me, I'd think about it before I actually had someone sign something. Just my $0.02.
[ 03-23-2004, 02:59 AM: Message edited by: kmamom ]