Conflict of interest arises whenever the personal or professional interest of a Board Member is potentially at odds with the best interests of Community Music School. Although the legal standards for avoiding conflict of interest for nonprofit organizations are fairly limited, CMS will avoid where possible even the appearance of impropriety. Situations may arise where Board Members are commercially engaged by CMS, or hired by CMS for services, artistic projects-workshops, summer camps, performances, etc. Because these situations all involve potential conflict of interest, the following procedures apply. If an issue is to be decided by the Board that involves potential conflict of interest for a Board Member, it is the responsibility of the Board Member to:

1. Identify the potential conflict of interest.
2. Not participate in discussion of the program or motion being considered.
3. Not vote on the issue.

It is the responsibility of the Board to:

1. Only decide to hire or contract with the Board member if they are the best qualified individuals available, and willing to provide the goods or services needed at the best price.

2. Record in the minutes of the Board Meeting the potential conflict of interest, and the use of the procedures and criteria of this policy. Although it is not a conflict of interest to reimburse Board Members for expenses incurred (such as the purchase of supplies), Board Members are prohibited by law from being paid for serving on the Board.