It Takes Two to Tango - presentation version.pptx
It Takes Two to Tango: Why You Need Policies and Procedures Prepared by Kathy Boyd NCSBA Staff A4orney Presented by Allison Schafer, NCSBA Legal Counsel September, 2014
What is Policy ? “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.” (Developed by: National School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators.)
Why School Boards Need Policies! 1.
Some are required by law in North Carolina. Examples: Dress Code Policy, Student Code of Conduct, Self-Administering Asthma Medicine
2.
To provide guidance and direction for administration.
3.
Policy shows the board operates from a philosophical, vision-driven basis.
4.
Policy shows the board is fair, reasonable and evenhanded, not arbitrary and capricious.
5.
Policy makes it easier for the board to obey the law and informs the public of its intent to do so.
6.
Policy helps the board operate efficiently by making a single decision (policy) that applies across time, situations, and individuals
Common Policy Errors n
Multiple policies for the same issue
n
Conflicting policy statements
n
Using the statute verbatim as the policy
n
Confusing policy numbering
n
Policy titles/headings that are not well thought out
n
Wordiness or lack of clarity
n
Combining/confusing policy and regulations/procedures
n
Improper grammar, poor spelling, typos
n
Inserting memos as board policy
n
Outdated policies
So What is an “Administrative Procedure or Regulation?” n n
n
Either details or outlines HOW a policy will be implemented. Tells how, by whom, where and when things are to be done. IF you find yourself, as a board or board member, discussing HOW a policy is to be implemented, you are beginning to get involved in administration.
STOP!
As one board chair explained it… “While it is not our responsibility to WRITE administrative procedures and rules, it IS our responsibility to see to it they ARE WRITTEN!!” Your main role regarding administrative rules/procedures is to ASK QUESTIONS!
What is Policy ? “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.” (Developed by: National School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators.)
Why School Boards Need Policies! 1.
Some are required by law in North Carolina. Examples: Dress Code Policy, Student Code of Conduct, Self-Administering Asthma Medicine
2.
To provide guidance and direction for administration.
3.
Policy shows the board operates from a philosophical, vision-driven basis.
4.
Policy shows the board is fair, reasonable and evenhanded, not arbitrary and capricious.
5.
Policy makes it easier for the board to obey the law and informs the public of its intent to do so.
6.
Policy helps the board operate efficiently by making a single decision (policy) that applies across time, situations, and individuals
Common Policy Errors n
Multiple policies for the same issue
n
Conflicting policy statements
n
Using the statute verbatim as the policy
n
Confusing policy numbering
n
Policy titles/headings that are not well thought out
n
Wordiness or lack of clarity
n
Combining/confusing policy and regulations/procedures
n
Improper grammar, poor spelling, typos
n
Inserting memos as board policy
n
Outdated policies
So What is an “Administrative Procedure or Regulation?” n n
n
Either details or outlines HOW a policy will be implemented. Tells how, by whom, where and when things are to be done. IF you find yourself, as a board or board member, discussing HOW a policy is to be implemented, you are beginning to get involved in administration.
STOP!
As one board chair explained it… “While it is not our responsibility to WRITE administrative procedures and rules, it IS our responsibility to see to it they ARE WRITTEN!!” Your main role regarding administrative rules/procedures is to ASK QUESTIONS!
