Opinion 90-90

September 18, 1990

Digest:         A part-time judge may serve on a search committee for appointment of a school district superintendent.

Rules:          22 NYCRR §100.5(b).

Opinion:

         A part-time judge, who is also a practicing attorney, inquires whether the judge may serve on the search committee in connection with the appointment of a school district superintendent in a district located within the judge’s geographical jurisdiction. The judge may be asked to chair the committee, and will receive no remuneration for these services and will take no oath of office.

         Section 100.5(b) of the Rules of the Chief Administrator provides that a judge may participate in civic and charitable activities that do not reflect adversely on impartiality or interfere with the performance of judicial duties. In addition, a judge may serve as an officer or director of a civic organization, not conducted for the economic or political advantage of its members. In the circumstances, our Committee is of the opinion that the judge may serve on or chair the search committee.