Policy Services

WHY HAVE WRITTEN POLICIES?

A school board policy manual that is comprehensive, up-to-date, and legally correct:

• Assures your policies are valid under Connecticut law.

• Ensures the district's compliance with legislative requirements and State Department regulations.

• Establishes a legal record, since policies carry the force of the law for a school system.

• Ensures that both explicit and implied policies do not get "lost" in the minutes, files or various handbooks.

• Improves the efficiency of the board and administration by establishing clear guidelines for decision-making.

• Clarifies board, superintendent and staff relationships.

• Fosters stability and continuity as board and staff members change.

• Promotes positive community relations by informing the public of the board's goals and procedures.

• Provides for fair, reasonable and consistent treatment of issues.

• Helps the board in assessing the system's educational services.

• Helps staff members to assess their individual roles within the framework of the system.

• Improves the orientation process for new board members.

• Provides an effective method for evaluating superintendent performance.

KEY QUESTIONS ON POLICY - Answers common questions such as:

• Why do we need policy?

• What is policy?

• Where do policies come from?

• Who can suggest policies?

• How to make policy better?

• What is the legal authority for policy?

• How is policy related to rules and regulations?

• Who implements policy?

• Who evaluates the effectiveness of policy?

• What power do policies have?

• When is a policy needed?

• Who approves policy?

• Who should write policy?

• Where should the policies be located?

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

• What is an Administrative Regulation?

• Administrative Regulation definition.

• Why is an Administrative Regulation important?