Policy Toolkit
Governance and Structure
This collection of governance policies is designed to help school boards operate with clarity, consistency, and transparency. From defining board roles and meeting procedures to strengthening public engagement and strategic planning, these resources support effective, equity-driven board leadership and decision-making.
Board Governance
Download the Board Governance Model Policy to get started.
Board Governance Policy
Policy to define the governance principles and primary roles and responsibilities of the Board.
Standing Committees Policy
Policy on standing committee structure, roles, and responsibilities.
Board Meeting Standing Agenda Policy
Policy establishing a foundational structure for regular board business meetings, focusing the Board's attention on data-driven performance monitoring and policy-making activities.
Agenda Preparation Policy
Policy on how board agendas are formed, the rights of members to request agenda items, and the use of a consent agenda.
Board Meeting Procedures Policy
Policy establishing parliamentary procedures for board meetings.
School Board Legal Counsel Policy
Policy outlining the roles and responsibilities of the school district's General Counsel and the independent external Board Counsel.
Restraint and Isolation Policy
This policy governs the District’s use of restraint and isolation practices in alignment with regulatory and research-based best practices, prioritizing the educational and socioemotional well-being of all students.
Board Professional Development Policy
Policy to encourage and provide for members of the Board to participate in professional development activities.
Public Comment Policy
Policy outlining procedures for public comment at board meetings ensuring transparency and authentic input from the public to inform the Board's decision-making, while also maintaining reasonable procedures for orderly and efficient conduct of public comment periods.
The 7 Rules of a School Board
The essential roles of a school board. The board should generally NOT be engaged in activities outside of these 7 key roles.
Download The Policy PPTX
Board Self-Evaluation
This survey may be administered to assess how well a school board is aligned to the four core principles of Empowered Governance – policy-centered, measurable accountability, balanced power, and equity.
Robert’s Rules Cheat Sheet
The most essential Robert's Rules you can bring to board meetings.
Strategic Planning Process
Model strategic planning process.
Policy Review Protocols
Procedures and protocols for conducting a comprehensive review of all Board policies.