Creating board policies is essential for guiding organizational decision-making and ensuring consistent governance. Here is our recommended list of policies for your board to consider, along with a checklist you can download below.
BoardOnTrack Recommended Charter Board Policies
1. Governance Policies
Board Roles and Responsibilities: Define the roles, responsibilities, and
expectations of board members.
Conflict of Interest Policy: Guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest
among board members and staff.
Board Meeting Policies: Procedures for conducting board meetings,
including scheduling, quorum requirements, and record-keeping.
Board Member Recruitment and Orientation: Policies for recruiting,
selecting, and onboarding new board members.
Board Evaluation and Development: Procedures for evaluating board
performance and planning ongoing training.
2. Financial Policies
Budgeting and Financial Planning: Guidelines for creating and approving
the school’s budget.
Financial Reporting: Requirements for regular financial reports, audits,
and transparency.
Procurement Policy: Procedures for purchasing goods and services,
including vendor selection and bidding processes.
Fundraising and Donations: Policies on fundraising activities and the
acceptance and use of donations.
Internal Controls: Systems for preventing fraud, ensuring financial
accuracy, and safeguarding assets.
3. Academic Policies
Curriculum and Instruction: Standards for curriculum development,
instructional practices, and educational goals.
Assessment and Evaluation: Policies on student assessments, grading,
and academic evaluations.
Special Education Policy: Guidelines for accommodating students with
special needs and ensuring compliance with IDEA.
Student Admission and Enrollment: Procedures for student admissions,
lotteries, and enrollment preferences.
Student Records and Privacy: Policies on maintaining and protecting
student records, including FERPA compliance.
4. Operational Policies
Health and Safety: Procedures for ensuring a safe and healthy school
environment, including emergency preparedness.
Facilities Management: Guidelines for the maintenance, use, and security
of school facilities.
Transportation Policy: Policies regarding student transportation, including
safety and eligibility criteria.
Technology Use: Rules for the appropriate use of technology by students
and staff.
Food Service and Nutrition: Standards for the school’s food program,
including meal planning and compliance with nutrition guidelines.
5. Human Resources Policies
Hiring and Recruitment: Procedures for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding
staff members.
Employee Conduct and Discipline: Guidelines for employee behavior,
performance expectations, and disciplinary actions.
Compensation and Benefits: Policies on staff compensation, benefits, and
payroll procedures.
Professional Development: Plans for staff training and professional
growth opportunities.
Employee Evaluation: Procedures for regular staff performance
evaluations.
6. Student Policies
Code of Conduct: Expectations for student behavior and procedures for
handling disciplinary issues.
Attendance Policy: Requirements for student attendance, tardiness, and
truancy.
Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy: Guidelines for preventing and
addressing bullying and harassment among students.
Dress Code: Standards for student dress and appearance.
Extracurricular Activities: Policies governing student participation in
extracurricular activities and sports.
7. Community Engagement Policies
Parental Involvement: Guidelines for engaging parents in the school
community and decision-making processes.
Communication Policy: Standards for communication between the
school, parents, and the broader community.
Volunteer Policy: Procedures for involving volunteers in school activities
and ensuring their compliance with school policies.
8. Legal and Compliance Policies
Compliance with State and Federal Laws: Procedures to ensure
adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
Non-Discrimination Policy: Commitment to non-discrimination in all
aspects of school operations.
Student Privacy (FERPA): Protection of student privacy rights under the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Title IX Policy: Compliance with Title IX regarding gender equity and
sexual harassment.
Whistleblower Policy: Protection for individuals who report unethical or
illegal activities within the school.
9. Risk Management Policies
Insurance Coverage: Guidelines for maintaining adequate insurance
coverage for the school and its activities.
Crisis Management: Plans for responding to emergencies, crises, or
disasters.
Data Protection and Cybersecurity: Policies to protect the school’s digital
data and infrastructure from security threats.
10. Strategic Planning and Evaluation
Mission and Vision Statements: Clear articulation of the school’s mission,
vision, and strategic goals.
Strategic Planning: Regular review and updating of the school’s long-term
strategic plan.
Program Evaluation: Ongoing assessment of the school’s programs and
initiatives to ensure alignment with its mission and goals.
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