Modeling Respect and Responsibility for Our Students

The Warren County School Board (WCSB) will review a proposal to extend the BBAA policy regarding board member conduct and authority during Agenda Item 6, “Discussions by School Board.” The attachments include a policy draft that expands on the duties, ethical expectations, and integrity of board members. It’s a welcome step toward restoring public confidence after a period of heightened scrutiny.

The WCSB will next meet on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Diversified Minds, 465 West 15th Street. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend to express my opinions in public. I have reached out to the Chair with my concerns about recent events in our community and followed providing some suggestions for the policy to consider based on those events.

One area that still needs attention is how individual board members communicate and represent themselves in public, particularly on social media or when interacting with other school divisions. In recent months, residents have seen firsthand how easily misinformation or miscommunication can cause reputational harm and erode trust in our institutions.

To address that gap, I’ve suggested adding three clarifying provisions:

• 23. Limit inter-district and external communications: Board members should not contact or represent the Board to other agencies or employees without authorization from the Chair or a majority vote.
• 24. Verify information before sharing: Accuracy and fairness should be a duty, not an afterthought.
• 25. Model professionalism on social media: Personal opinions should be clearly identified as such, and official roles should never be used to lend weight to speculation or make unfounded attacks.

Regarding item 23, members may, however, exercise their individual rights as citizens – including the right to request public records under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act – and may communicate with other schools or agencies in their capacity as parents or guardians, provided they use personal contact information and do not imply representation of the Board.

These additions align with the existing sections on integrity and confidentiality while providing more transparent accountability.

From experience, I’ve learned that strong governance isn’t about control – it’s about clarity, and it works best when leaders respect the boundaries of their responsibilities. Good policy works best when it prevents confusion before it begins.

Our students are taught to pause, verify, and treat others with respect before posting online or repeating claims. WCSB members are expected to uphold the same standards of leadership in their schools. Policy should reflect that standard.

When reviewing the draft proposal, I also noticed some changes that could benefit from further adjustments.

• Item 8: replace “rubber stamp” with independent inquiry and careful consideration.
• Item 13: add …in accordance with open meeting laws and Board procedures
• Item 16: change to: promptly report any credible evidence of corruption, misconduct, or neglect of duty to the appropriate authorities or through the Superintendent and Board Chair for proper investigation.
• Item 18: make sure that it’s known that personal opinions may be shared if clearly identified as such, and not presented as official Board statements.

Add a closing clause to ensure accountability: Failure to adhere to this policy may result in a vote of censure or other action as permitted by law and Board bylaws.

The WCSB has a real opportunity this week to show that lessons in civility and responsibility begin at the top.

To practice what I preach, these are my personal opinions, based on recent events made public in the community, and do not reflect the views of any organizations with which I am affiliated or serve in an official capacity.

Lewis E. Moten III
North River District
Warren County, VA

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