CODE A1

THE ROLE OF POLICY

 Policy

It is the intent of the Board to outline direction and goals for the successful consistent and efficient operation of the Grand Isle School through the adoption of policies.

 Background

Policy development is the Board's most important responsibility and is specified in 16 V.S.A.§563(1). Policies of the District will be in compliance with Vermont law and federal statutes as well as state and federal regulations. These policies will also reflect and be consistent with educational objectives, procedures, and practices which are generally accepted in the public education field. 

 Definitions

Policies describe the direction the Board, with input from its community, has outlined for the school District. They provide a guide for action by the administration. Policies should serve, also, to inform and guide all people interested in or connected with the School.

 Policies chart a course of action. They outline what is wanted; they may include why and how much and should always indicate the person responsible for implementing the policy. Policies should be broad enough to indicate a course of action for the administration to follow in meeting most situations;  narrow enough to give clear guidance.

 Procedures (also referred to as rules or regulations) are the specific directions that indicate exactly how school personnel and others will carry out the policies adopted by the School Board. Procedures should be developed by school administrators and may be reviewed by the Board. They may change more frequently that the underlying policy and do not require adoption by the Board.    

 

 

Date Warned:                       10/27/04

Date Adopted:                     11/08/04

Legal Reference(s):                     16 V.S.A. §563 (1) (Powers of school boards)

Cross Reference:                  Policy Development and Adoption (A2)

                                                Policy Dissemination, Administration & Review (A3)

 

CODE A2

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION

 Policy

It is the policy of the Grand Isle School to adopt all policies in accordance with Vermont state law as outlined in 16 V.S.A. §563 (1).

Policy Initiation

Any person residing in the town or employed by Grand Isle School may suggest policies by providing a statement of need in writing to the Superintendent or Grand Isle School Board Chairperson. Such suggestions will be considered by Board and administrators to determine whether a policy is warranted to assure consistent and equitable school operations.

Policy Development

The Board, acting as a whole or through a policy committee, will seek appropriate public comment and administrative guidance as it considers proposals for policy development or revision. 

 Comment and information will be sought in the following areas: 

1.         The specific need for the policy.
2.         The fiscal consequences of the proposed policy.
3.         The effect of proposed policy on administrators, students, teaching staff and the community.
4.         Samples of similar policies of other Boards.
5.         Applicable provisions of state and federal law.
6.         The anticipated costs and benefits of implementing, enforcing and evaluating the  proposed policy.

 Warnings 

Policies will be adopted by the Board only after appropriate public notice and opportunity for public comment as outlined in state law.

  

 

Date Warned:                       10/27/04

Date Adopted:                     11/08/04

Legal Reference(s):                     16 V.S.A. §563 (1) (Powers of school boards)

Cross Reference:                  The Role of Policy  (A1)

                                                Policy Dissemination, Administration & Review (A3)

 

CODE A3

 POLICY DISSEMINATION, ADMINISTRATION & REVIEW

Policy

It is the policy of the Grand Isle School to disseminate its policies broadly to all community members, to administer them fairly and to assure that there is regular periodic review of the Board’s policies.

Dissemination

When policies are adopted, the Superintendent will publish and make them available to the public, students, and school personnel.

 A copy of the School’s policy manual will be available during the normal working day in the office and/or library. The student handbook will include Board policies related to student activities and conduct. The teacher handbook will include Board policies related to teachers' responsibilities.

 The Superintendent will develop other appropriate methods to familiarize and educate the school and general community about the School’s policies.

 Administration

Policies will be administered through procedures and directives of the Superintendent of schools and members of the management team.

It will be the responsibility of employees and students to know and follow Board policy.

 Policy Review

All policies will be reviewed periodically and, if necessary or appropriate, revised or repealed in response to changing legislation or other altered circumstances.

  

Date Warned:                       10/27/04
Date Adopted:                     11/08/04
Legal Reference(s):                16 V.S.A. §563 (1) (Powers of school boards)
                                                1 V.S.A. §316 (Access to records)
Cross Reference:                  The Role of Policy  (A1)
                                                Policy Development and Adoption (A2)