SCHOOL BOARD POLICY PROCESS

The Board considers policy development its chief function.

It is the intent of the Board to develop written policies to serve as the framework for the successful and efficient functioning of the school unit.

The Board accepts the definition of policy set forth by the National School Boards Association:

    School Board policies are statements that set forth the purposes and prescribe in general terms the
    organization and program of a school system. They create a framework within which the
    Superintendent and the staff can discharge their assigned duties with positive direction. They tell what
    is wanted. They may also indicate why and how much. Policies should define clearly the goals and
    objectives of the school system, allow for the flexibility that is vital in day-to-day operations, reflect
    the board’s vision, define roles and responsibilities (who is supposed to do what), and include
    measurable outcomes.

It is the Board’s intention that its policies serve as sources of information and guidance and direction for people who are interested in or connected with the schools.

The policies of the school unit are framed and are meant to be interpreted in terms of federal and state statutes, rules of the State Board of Education and Department of Education and other regulatory agencies within the local, county, state and federal government. The policies are also framed and are meant to be interpreted in terms of those educational objectives, procedures and practices which are broadly accepted by leaders and authorities in the public education field.

Changes in needs, conditions, purposes and objectives will require revisions, deletions and additions to the policies of the current Board and those of the future. The Board will welcome suggestions for ongoing policy development.

The development of draft policies shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent. Action on School Board policy proposals will be taken by the Board.

Minor revisions in policies, i.e. spelling, legal reference, codification etc., do not need Board approval unless the original intent of the policy is changed. Copies of policies with minor revisions must be distributed to all holders of policy manuals with an annotation signifying minor revisions and date of revision.

DATE ADOPTED: July 1, 2003