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The Issue
School board members are worried that John de Beck’s spot on a health trust board could compromise his objectivity as the school board weighs whether to leave the trust for a private company.
The Situation
De Beck has voted on issues involving the nonprofit health trust, which helps districts secure employee benefits. He has also taken part in discussions about it, including one involving a dispute that led the district to pay a $2.6 million settlement to the trust.
The Debate
De Beck says there is no conflict because he isn’t paid and because the trust is a nonprofit. Ethics experts said it could pose ethical problems when disputes divide the school district and the trust.