NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CENTRAL OFFICE
Dr. Anna Nolin, Superintendent
Timothy Luff, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Dr. Peter Gray, Assistant Superintendent of Finance
Susan Balboni, Interim Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation

November 12, 2021

We have heard the concerns that many in the community have expressed over the recent opinion
provided by the Ethics Commission on the issue of a committee member’s participation in an upcoming
decision. Some have asked about the potential implications for elected and appointed members of all
town boards and committees, given that decisions made by these boards and committees often impact
property, taxes, infrastructure and other aspects of our daily lives. These decisions are an integral part of
the duties of these volunteers. We were surprised by the opinion, as School Committee members make
decisions regularly that impact the lives of all Natick citizens, including their own.

In response to these inquiries, we have consulted both town counsel and the School Committee
attorneys to better understand the possible ramifications of such an opinion. Our attorneys have been
very clear that every situation brought to the Ethics Commission is unique and any opinion issued by
them is based solely upon the information of the specific case. Both our attorneys and the Ethics
Commission have stated that Ethics Commission opinions are based on the specific facts of a specific
individual and do not uniformly apply beyond that situation.

We will also, insofar as possible, seek more information and make additional inquiries about the opinion
rendered to see if a different opinion may result from further discussions. The information, as well as any
implications of the current Ethics Commission opinion, will be shared with boards, committees, and the
public.

It is very important that all boards and committees in Natick do their work ethically, and that members feel
comfortable that their work is consistent with requirements under state law. When an elected or
appointed official believes there is a conflict of interest, there are steps that can be taken to address it. In
some cases, it may not be possible to participate fully in the decision. In other cases, there are
documents and forms that can be obtained and completed by an individual to document the potential
conflict of interest and indicate that there is no conflict in the individual participating in the
decision-making process.

To provide elected and appointed members with a supportive process should they have concerns about
a potential conflict of interest, we will ensure information about the process allowed for under Mass
General Law chapter 268A, section 22 is available. As codified, this chapter and section allows members
to seek an opinion from Town Counsel on whether a matter before them could result in a conflict of
interest. This consultation can include when and how to seek counsel from the State Ethics Commission.
Moving forward, this information will be included in new member orientation materials and trainings. We

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation,
disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, or homeless status.

Natick Schools Central Office:

13 East Central Street 508•647•6500 (phone)
Natick MA 01760 508•647•6506 (fax)
http://www.natickps.org www.facebook.com/natickps Page | 1
will also recommend to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, from which many of our
trainings are taken, that this process be included in information shared with new members.

We hope this assures all boards and committees that there is a supportive process in place for them
should they have questions about matters before them. We also hope this assures the community that
there is a process that ensures that all town employees and boards/committees follow expected
processes and potential conflict of interest expectations.

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