Policy

2:240-E1 Exhibit – Developing Local Policy

Actor Action
Anyone (Superintendent, School Board member, staff, parent, student, community member, or Board Attorney) Brings a concern that may necessitate a new policy or a current policy’s revision to the attention of the School Board.
Policy Committee (or Full Board) First, answers these questions to decide whether new policy language is needed:

1. Does the IASB Policy Reference Manual provide guidance?

2. Is the request something that should be covered in policy (i.e., Board work) or is it something that should be handled by the staff (i.e., staff work)?

3. Is it already covered in policy?

Checks for policies that cover similar or connected topics using tools such as search engines, cross references, and indexes. Second, uses a 4-step process to draft new policy language:

1. Frames the question and discusses the topic.

2. Requests the Superintendent to provide research, including appropriate data, and input from others, such as, those who may be affected by the policy and those who will implement the policy.

3. Assesses existing policy and decides whether new or revised policy language is needed.

4. Drafts or requests the Superintendent or Board Attorney to draft, language addressing the concern that aligns with the Board’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives.

Third, decides whether the new language should be included in an existing policy or added as a new policy. Assigns any new policy an appropriate location and number.

The PRESS coding system reserves policy numbers ending in a ‘0′ and ‘5′ for PRESS material. Local districts are encouraged to use policy numbers ending in even numbers other than ‘0′.

Full Board Conducts a first reading of the policy that is recommended for adoption or revision. During the next regular meeting, conducts a second reading.

A second reading allows the Board to hear feedback from interested parties, including staff, parents, students, and community members; however, State law does not require two readings.

Superintendent Confers with the Board Attorney as appropriate.

Manages the Board’s compliance with the Open Meetings Act.

Ensures that, as appropriate, the agendas for the Board Policy Committee and School Board include discussion and action to consider, adopt, or revise Board policies.

Manages the process for approving new or revised administrative procedures, and revisions to employee and student handbooks.

Communicates all policy and procedure revisions or adoptions as appropriate to staff members, parents, students, and community members.

Designated Support Staff After a policy is adopted or revised, updates the District’s policy manual master electronic file and adds adoption dates. Archives “old” policy. Follows district process for updating paper and online manuals.
Assistant Superintendents, Directors, and Building Principals Reads the adopted policy and follows the Superintendent’s process for updating administrative procedures, and changes to employee and student handbooks within their assigned building(s).

Dated:  May 11, 2011