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By Galen C. McBride
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
Nearly two dozen residents attended the county school board meeting last week at the Rappahannock County Elementary School library. Commonwealth’s Attorney Peter Luke discussed the state’s Conflict of Interest and Freedom of Information Acts, citing “red flag areas” that the board members should keep in mind.
“If you formally request a written opinion from the Commonwealth’s Attorney, you are protected from any civil or criminal prosecution,” Luke said. Board members must file their disclosure forms each year by Jan. 15. Luke recommended erring on the side of overdisclosure. “Sometimes the appearance of impropriety is such that a member may choose to disqualify themselves anyway,” he added. If a member declares a conflict, he or she cannot participate in any discussion or vote on the matter.
Luke also explained that there are special provisions defined for school boards, including antinepotism rules. Two exceptions to these rules permit spouses or family members to continue working for the school system. People who already had jobs in the same work place before their marriage or a spouse who was employed before the other was elected to the school board may continue to be employed by the school system without violating the law.
In outlining executive session procedures, Luke noted that “there are 27 separate reasons in the state code for going into executive session. At least five major ones apply to the board
See BOARD, Page A5
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