9310 BB - Board Policies

Bylaws of the Board
Board Bylaw No. 9310
Bylaw Adopted:  September 6, 2018



BOARD POLICIES

The Governing Board shall adopt written policies to convey its expectations for actions that will be taken in the district, clarify roles and responsibilities of the Board and Superintendent, communicate Board philosophy and positions to the students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community. 

The Board shall ensure that district policies align with the district's vision and goals, promote student learning and achievement, provide for consistent and fair treatment of students and staff, and proactively address equity and the provision of equal access to opportunities for all students.

The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining a policy manual that is up to date and reflects the mandates of law.  Policies shall be regularly reviewed at a time allocated for this purpose on the agenda of public Board meetings.  Board policies are binding on the district to the extent they do not conflict with federal or state law and consistent with the district’s collective bargaining agreements.  No Board policy, bylaw, or administrative regulation, or any portion thereof, shall be operative if it is found to be in conflict with applicable federal or state law or regulations or court decisions. If any portion of a policy is found to be invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions of the policy.

Policies shall be regularly reviewed at a time allocated for this purpose on the agenda of public Board meetings.

The Board shall review certain policies annually, as required by Education Code 35160.5.  If no revisions are deemed necessary, the Board minutes shall nevertheless indicate that the review was conducted.  Other policies shall be monitored and reviewed as specified in the polity itself or an needed to reflect the changes in law or district circumstances.

Policy Development and Adoption Process

The district’s policy development process shall include the following basic steps:

1.   The Board and/or Superintendent or designee shall identify the need for a new policy or a revision of an existing policy.  The need may arise from a change in law, a new district vision or goals, educational research or trends, or a change in the superintendency or Board membership.  The need may also occur as a result of an incident that has arisen in the district or a recommendation or request from staff or other interested persons. 

2.   As needed, the Superintendent or designee shall gather fiscal and other data, staff and public input, related district policies, sample policies from other organizations or agencies, and other useful information to fully inform the Board about the issue.

3.   The Board may hold discussions during a public Board meeting to gain an understanding of the issue and provide initial direction to the Superintendent or designee.  The discussion may include, but not be limited to how the proposed policy may affect student learning, community expectations, staff recommendations, fiscal impact, as well as the policy’s impact on governance and operational efficiency.

4.   The Board or Superintendent may request that legal counsel review the draft policy as appropriate.

5.   The Superintendent or designee shall develop and present a draft policy for a first reading at a public Board meeting.  At its second reading, the Board may take action on the proposed policy.  The Board may waive second reading or may require an additional reading, if necessary.

(cf. 9323- Meeting Conduct)

Only policies formally adopted by a majority vote of the Board shall constitute official Board policy.

(cf. 9322- Agenda/Meeting Materials)

(cf. 9323.2 – Actions by the Board)

The district’s policy development process may be revised or expanded as needed based on the issue being considered, the need for more information, or to provide greater opportunities for consultation and public input.

Policies shall become effective upon Board adoption or a future date designated by the Board at the time of the adoption.

Board Bylaws

The Board shall prescribe and enforce rules for its own government consistent with state law and regulations.  (Education Code 35010)

Bylaws governing Board operations may be developed, adopted, and amended following the same procedures as those used for the adoption or amendment of Board policy. 

Administrative Regulations

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for developing and enforcing administrative regulations for the operations of the district.  Administrative regulations shall be consistent with law and Board policy and shall be designed to promote the achievement of district goals and objectives. Administrative regulations may describe specific actions to be taken, roles and responsibilities of staff, timelines, and/or other necessary provisions.  The Superintendent or designee also may develop procedures manuals, handbooks, or other guides to carry out the intent of Board policy.

When Board policies are amended, the Superintendent or designee shall review corresponding regulations to ensure that they conform to the intent of the revised policy.  In case of conflict between administrative regulation and Board policy, policy shall prevail.

The Board may review and/or approve regulations for the purpose of ensuring conformity with the intent of Board policy.

Monitoring and Evaluation

At the time a policy is adopted, the Board and Superintendent or designee shall determine whether an evaluation of the policy should be scheduled and, if so, shall agree upon a timeline and measures for evaluating the effectiveness of the policy in achieving its purpose.

Access to Policies

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all district employees and the public have access to an up-to-date district policy manual.  The policy manual shall be maintained either electronically or by paper copy.

As necessary, the Superintendent or designee shall notify staff, parents/guardians, students and other stakeholders whenever a policy that affects them is adopted or revised.  He/she may determine the appropriate communications strategy depending on the issue.

Legal Reference:

EDUCATION CODE

35010  Control of district; prescription and enforcement of rules

35160 Authority of governing Board

35160.5 Annual review of school district policies

35163 Official actions, minutes and journal

35164 Voting requirements

 

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