OACTE is moving to complete an application to the IRS to be designated as a tax exempt organization. To complete this application we need to adopt a Conflict of Interest policy. Although the IRS does not formally require a conflict of interest policy (yet), it has taken steps to “encourage” organizations to adopt them. A draft policy will be sent to the OACTE list serv and is also listed below.  Follow the link to the Qualtrix survey to provide your answers.  We are on a tight timeline to be a part of a joint application process with AACTE where they will defray some of the costs. Please cast your vote by Friday, October 10, 2014 at 5:00PM.

Amendment to OACTE Bylaws

Conflict of Interest Policy

Article I – Purpose

The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or member of the organization or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit organizations.

Article II – Definitions

1. Interested Person

Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest as defined below is an interested person.

2. Financial Interest

A person has a financial interest if the person has directly or indirectly through business, investment, or family;

1. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the organization has a transaction or arrangement,
2. A compensation arrangement with the organization or with any entiry or individual with which the organization has a transaction or arrangement, or
3. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.

Compensation included direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.

A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. A person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

Article III – Procedures

1. Duty to Disclose.

In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all materials facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.

2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists.

After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exits.

3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
   1. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
   2. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
   3. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
   4. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.