SUBJECT
Title
APPROVAL OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODES: VARIOUS AGENCIES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The Board of Supervisors serves as the Code Reviewing Body for any local agency, other than cities, with jurisdiction wholly within the County, pursuant to Government Code Section 82011. The recommended action would approve the proposed amendments to the Conflict of Interest code for Element Education, Grossmont Union High School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, Lemon Grove School District, North County Transit District, and San Marcos Unified School District.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Approve the Conflict of Interest codes for the following agencies:
• Element Education
• Grossmont Union High School District
• La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
• Lemon Grove School District
• North County Transit District
• San Marcos Unified School District
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
County government includes standing and special boards, commissions, committees and task forces formed to advise the Board of Supervisors and County staff on issues and policies and to serve as links to the community. Boards, commissions and committees provide an inter-relationship between the residents and the government of the County and as such must provide transparent, bias-free decision-making. The Board of Supervisors serves as the Code Reviewing Body for any local agency, other than cities, with jurisdiction wholly within the County, pursuant to Government Code Section 82011. Under the California Political Reform Act, a public official has a disqualifying conflict of interest in a governmental decision if it is foreseeable that the decision will have a financial impact on their personal finances or other financial interests. In such cases, there is a risk of biased decision-making that could sacrifice the public’s interest in favor of the official’s private financial interests. To avoid actual bias or the appearance of possible improprieties, the public official is prohibited from participating in the decision.
The recommended action would approve the amended Conflict of Interest codes submitted by Element Education, Grossmont Union High School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, Lemon Grove School District, North County Transit District, and San Marcos Unified School District. The Conflict of Interest codes in this Board Letter enable the County of San Diego to provide transparency and accountability to individual residents, ensuring equitable operations of the government that are free from undue influence.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Under the Political Reform Act, all public agencies are required to adopt a Conflict of Interest code that designates positions that are required to file the Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700). Conflict of Interest codes must be maintained as updated and accurate to ensure that necessary public officials report their personal financial interests. These required filings provide public transparency about possible conflicts of interest and to ensure governmental decisions are made in the best interest of the public. This Board Letter supports the County of San Diego’s sustainability goal of, “Engaging the community to partner and participate in decisions that impact their lives and communities and transparently share results of outcomes.”
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation. There will be no change in General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
N/A
BACKGROUND
Under the Political Reform Act, all public agencies are required to adopt a Conflict of Interest Code. The code designates positions required to file Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700s, and assigns disclosure categories specifying the types of interests to be reported. The Form 700 is a public document intended to alert public officials and members of the public to the types of financial interest that may create conflict of interest.
The Board of Supervisors serves as the Code Reviewing Body for any local agency, other than cities, with jurisdiction wholly within the County, pursuant to Government Code Section 82011. The recommended action would approve the Conflict of Interest Codes of Element Education, Grossmont Union High School District, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, Lemon Grove School District, North County Transit District, and San Marcos Unified School District. The aforementioned agencies are submitting their Conflict of Interest Codes for approval by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
The Conflict of Interest codes are included as Attachment A. Informational documents reflecting agency approval are included as Attachment B.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action to approve the Conflict of Interest Codes supports the Transparency and Accountability Strategic Initiative in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by promoting a culture of ethical leadership and decision making across the enterprise.
Respectfully submitted,
EBONY SHELTON
Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A: Conflict of Interest Code - Clean
Attachment B: Conflict of Interest Code - Supporting Documents