1111 - Policy Development

(Amended January 14, 2003)

In making policy decisions affecting the education program carried out in the school district, it is the duty of each board member to represent the best interests of the people of the district as a whole, rather than the interests of any community or special interest group.

Members of the Board act only when in a duly called Board meeting or when assigned by the Board to a specific duty. Three votes are required to pass policy. A majority vote of the quorum members present is necessary to validate any other act of the board, unless accepted by higher law: (executive session - 4 votes, replacing Superintendent other than at contract time - 4 votes, a suspension of the rules - 4 votes)
Federal law, Utah law and Utah State Board of Education rules are in Aux. There may be times when Piute School District Board policy is in contravention of the above laws and rules. If this contravention occurs the Piute School District policy statements are automatically replaced by the above laws or rules. The portions of the policy that are not affected by these changes remain in force and continue to have the effect of law within the school district.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Policy: A settled course adopted by the Board and routinely followed in exercising the powers and performing the duties legally placed on the Board. It officially guides the action of the Board and staff. A policy has the effect of law within the school district.

Rule and Regulation: Used synonymously with policy.

Standards: Criteria that are applied uniformly and which must be observed in the operation of a program. Criteria against which the goals, objectives and operation of a program will be evaluated. Following standards is a mandatory action.

Procedure: A method of carrying out a policy or standard. Whereas a policy may establish what and why, a procedure establishes who, when, and how. It is an administrative tool.

Guidelines: Recommendations. The determination of whether or not to follow guidelines rests with those responsible for the program.

POLICY STATEMENT:

Changes in needs, conditions, purposes, and objectives will require revisions, deletions, and additions to the policies of present and future Boards. Thus policy development and enactment is an ongoing process.

Initiating policy or policy changes: Proposals for new policies, or changes to existing policies may be initiated by any member of the Board or by any individual or group of citizens or employees. All proposals shall be referred to the Superintendent for study and the development of an initial draft.

The Superintendent shall provide the board with a draft of the proposed policy, together with specific data and other information the Board requests or which the Superintendent feels may be pertinent. The Board expects the initial draft to harmonize the ideas of the Board, the views of the people to be affected by the policy, and the good of the educational system. 

Written policy shall contain the following format:

TITLE (with effective date)

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY DEFINITION OF TERMS (if necessary)

POLICY STATEMENT

Discussion and development of policy: The initial draft shall be considered by the Board in open meeting to ensure that interested individuals and groups may voice their opinions and register their approval or dissatisfaction. If the proposed policy encounters serious objection, it shall be referred back to the Superintendent for revision incorporating matters the Board deems important.

Enactment of policy. If the proposed policy receives no objection, or the board feels it should be adopted, it will be reviewed for one month or until the next board meeting and then passed by the votes of three or more board members. In cases of emergency a policy may be passed at its first presentation if a suspension of the rules is first called for and passed.

Policy dissemination. Execution and administration of all policies of the Board are the responsibility of the Superintendent and principals. The Board shall evaluate the execution of its written policies in order to exercise control over the school district.

In cases where action must be taken within the school district where the Board has provided no policy to guide administrative action, the Superintendent shall have power to act. Administrative acts are subject to review by the Board.

Procedures for administration. Authority for administration of policy is vested in the Superintendent. He/she may establish administrative procedures to guide staff in administering the policies of the Board. The procedures of the Superintendent are subject to review by the board.