What is Policy? Julie M. Slavens Indiana School Boards Association jslavens@isba-ind.org 2016 ISNA Annual Conference

Dictionary Definition POLICY: A definite course of action or method of action to guide and determine present and future decisions... School board policies are guidelines to chart a course of action. They tell what is wanted and may include why and how much. They should be broad enough to admit discretionary action by the administration in meeting day to day problems and yet specific enough to give clear guidance.

Another Definition Gives instruction and direction from the Board to school administration and staff Signals how the organization will be administered and operated

Definitions Policies are "guidelines adopted by the board to chart a course of action that tell what is wanted and may also include why and how much. These should be broad enough to admit discretionary action by the administration in meeting day-to-day problems, yet be specific enough to give clear guidance." Regulations are "detailed directions developed by the administration to put policy into practice. These tell how, by whom, where, and when things are to be done.“

Clues to Policy Statements Does it communicate the expectations of the board? Does it give directions to the superintendent or other administrators? Does it inform the public of the board's intent? Does it tell the superintendent how to do it?

Clues to Regulations/Procedures Does the statement - establish the mechanics for implementing policy? - list the steps to be followed? - contain the important detail? - list the do's, and don’ts? Allows the superintendent to change it.

Policy Development By developing policy, the Board defines parameters for those who deal with a given issue. For example, the board develops a yearly budget for the corporation. During the year the board regularly refers to the budget which sets the fiscal limits for what can or cannot be done. Policy is much the same. The board develops policy as a ready reference to make good decisions about issues that arise. Policies should be working documents. Like the budget, they should provide a plan for what can and cannot be done, spelled out and available to all.

Factors That Shape Policy State statutes and regulations Federal laws and regulations Judicial decisions Local considerations The amount of authority the board wants to delegate to the superintendent

Legal Foundation and Hierarchy of Board Policy U.S. Constitution Congress Federal Agencies State Constitution State Legislature State Agencies School Boards State law gives school corporations their authority to adopt and enforce board policy.

Board Authority Only school boards can adopt policy For example, Indiana Code 20-26-5-4(18) states: To prepare, make, enforce, amend, or repeal rules, regulations, and procedures for the government and management of the schools, property, facilities, and activities of the school corporation, its agents, employees, and pupils and for the operation of its governing body…

Policy Axioms 1. Only the school board can establish policy. The school board may also approve regulations or delete this task to the administration. 2. Through policy, the board provides a framework for cooperation, fixes responsibilities, delineates authority, and provides for accountability.

Policy v. Regulations/Procedures Policy is not detailed direction for operating a school corporation or running a particular program. Regulations are the detail directions for operating a school program. Regulations may also be referred to as procedures, administrative guidelines or similar designations.

Policy Functions Board policies: Carry the weight of law and establish a legal record Must be current and effective Must be constantly monitored for accuracy and effectiveness Must be communicated and distributed. Should be easily accessible and conveniently located.

Written Policy Provides: Consistency, fairness, and a basis for accountability Clarifies board and administrative functions Should be drafted by one person and reviewed by others or a committee. Drafting of a policy is usually delegated to an administrator by the board through policy or practice.

Clear and Concise Use common language whenever possible. It's not a novel; Keep it short and simple. Don't use a paragraph where a sentence is sufficient . Good policy is when: " 10 people independently reading the policy or regulation will come to the same conclusion consistent with its intended meaning."

Policy Cycle 1. Identify a need 2. Direct a policy analysis 3. Require policy options - Costs in dollars - Staff - Rules, regulations and guidelines 4. Review policy draft

Policy Cycle 5. Take action 6. Implement and monitor - Rewrite, reject, adopt 6. Implement and monitor 7. Review and evaluate 8. Revise or remove as needed Generally a school board will have a policy on policy development. This or the past practice of the board should be followed when developing policy.

Wellness Policy Many of the elements required in the Wellness policy are Administrative Regulations. Let’s use the definitions of Policy and Regulations and the Clues to determine what is policy or regulations. We can then look at the Wellness policy to determine what is policy and what is regulation The elements that are regulations but required but the USDA can be included, the board will need to approve those despite its local practice of delegating these to administrators.