81 days to Election. Todays note: Policy Making A policy is primarily a principle or rule that guides decisions that will achieve the organization’s goals. It articulates what must be done and the rationale for it but does not deal with how it is to be done. Procedures and protocols, which are usually administrative, spell out how things will be implemented. Policy is intended to reflect the board’s goals and philosophy, and provide standards to guide the school system. Policy provides overall direction for the system, a framework for the development of implementation plans, and administrative procedures and criteria to ensure accountability. It is through policy that the board informs the public, the administration, and other staff of its intent. All policies should align with the board’s vision. Policy development is a key way in which trustees can affect the direction of education. This work is complex and requires a broad perspective, with the recognition that policies must be applied to the whole board. In order to make effective policy, the needs and priorities of the whole community must first be assessed. This involves consultation with interested parties – including school councils, employee groups, and others – at all stages of the development process. Creating good policy can be a long and intensive process, but the benefits justify the effort. With clear policy for reference, decisions are simplified and problems are more easily solved. Clear policy can, for example, facilitate consistent application in decisions where competing values are at play. There is greater stability and continuity for the school system at times of key staff turnover or when new trustees join the board. The ongoing monitoring and regular evaluation of policy ensures that it continues to fulfill its purpose. As elected representatives, trustees are expected to develop public policy in an open and accountable way. The process for developing policy may vary depending on the size of the board. Boards may choose to begin policy development at the committee level, in a standing committee or a special-purpose ad hoc committee. Boards may also simply choose to use the committee of the whole board for this purpose. Generally, administrative staff are assigned to the committee to help members with the information and material they need. Board members rely on the director of education and senior staff for expertise and advice to help them reach informed decisions. It is important to consider a particular policy’s effect on different groups and, where possible, to involve the major partners from the beginning. Partners, such as school councils, who have been meaningfully engaged in consultations are more likely to understand and support a board’s decision. Public consultation on policy development is one important way that trustees serve their communities and ensure accountability to their constituents. Policy decisions are not always unanimous. Trustees must use their broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints to determine a sound policy that is fair and considers the interests of all students within the jurisdiction of the board. Trustees who disagree with a majority decision may enter a minority report, and they may inform their constituents of their opposition. However, once the vote has been decided, the new policy becomes the policy of the whole board and its implementation must be supported by all members of the board.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:30:01 +0000