Policy Page: Tying Board Policy to the Foundational Principles of Effective Governance
By John FinesSchool boards are entrusted with guiding districts toward academic success, student well-being, and community trust. Central to this duty is effective governance.
The Illinois Association of School Boards outlines six Foundational Principles of Effective Governance. These principles help boards operate effectively and with transparency, while also ensuring their actions are aligned with the community’s will. A key component of these principles is the board policy manual, which supports governance by offering clarity, consistency, and structure to the board’s governance abilities and the district’s goals.
1. The Board Clarifies the District’s Purpose
A core function of governance is clarifying and communicating the district’s purpose. The board plays a key role in defining the district’s mission, vision, and goals, which serve as a compass for every decision made within the district. When a board effectively clarifies the district’s purpose, every stakeholder understands the district’s direction.
The board policy manual enshrines this principle in policies such as 1:30, School District Philosophy, 3:10, Goals and Objectives, and 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives. These policies capture the district’s beliefs and aspirations, detailing its purpose to provide a clear reference for all decisions the board makes. IASB provides sample policies through the Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS), but each board must tailor each policy to reflect its district’s unique values.
While these policies may directly state the district’s mission and vision statements, the entire manual should reflect the district’s purpose. It is crucial that the board regularly review its manual to ensure that each policy captures the essence of the district’s goals.
2. The Board Connects with the Community
A board’s effectiveness is strengthened by its connection to the community. Serving as a bridge between the district and its stakeholders, the board must ensure that the community’s voice is reflected in district policies and practices. Effective engagement fosters trust, transparency, and a sense of inclusivity, allowing the community to actively contribute to the district’s success.
The board’s policy manual supports this connection through policies that promote transparency and public participation.
Section 8 of the board policy manual is entirely focused on the board’s relationship with the community. For instance, sample policy 8:10, Connection with the Community, elaborates on ways in which the board can engage with stakeholders, outlining the district’s public relations strategy and community engagement efforts.
By making the manual publicly available, the board further reinforces transparency. The policy manual is the board’s voice, and it should be heard by the community.
3. The Board Employs a Superintendent
Hiring a superintendent is among the board’s most important decisions. The superintendent serves as the district’s chief executive, taking the board’s vision and bringing it to life.
The board policy manual helps guide the board during the hiring process. Sample policy 3:40, Superintendent, outlines the superintendent’s roles and responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and compensation and benefits, ensuring that the board’s expectations are communicated from the outset. Additionally, sample board exhibit 3:40-E, Checklist for Superintendent Employment Contract Negotiation Process, provides the board with valuable information to educate and guide them through the employment contract negotiation process with a successful superintendent candidate.
A superintendent who is supported by well-crafted policies is better positioned to lead the district toward accomplishing its goals.
4. The Board Delegates Authority
Effective governance hinges on the board’s delegation of authority to the superintendent. Clear lines of responsibility allow the board to focus on governance — setting policy and providing oversight — while also empowering the superintendent to implement the board’s directives. A clear division between governance and management prevents the board from becoming overwhelmed.
The board delegates authority to administrative staff throughout the entire manual with phrases like “The superintendent shall…” or “The superintendent or designee shall…”. Sample policy, 5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal, for example, delegates to the superintendent the duty of overseeing the terms and conditions related to the employment of professional staff. This policy, with many others, establishes the board’s expectations and defines the superintendent’s leadership role within the district.
Further, a district’s administrative procedures provide the superintendent with a blueprint for executing board policy, allowing for smooth, consistent operations. Sample policy 3:40, Superintendent, states that “The Superintendent is authorized to develop administrative procedures and take other action as needed to implement Board policy and otherwise fulfill his or her responsibilities.” Therefore, it is the superintendent who is responsible for creating and maintaining administrative procedures based on the board’s policy manual. For example, sample policy 5:30, Hiring Process and Criteria, delegates authority in hiring to the superintendent, and outlines their duties in ensuring the most qualified staff are hired. The suite of administrative procedures linked to this policy helps the superintendent throughout the hiring process, making decisions that align with the board’s vision while also adhering to legal guidelines.
The board’s willingness to trust the superintendent’s expertise, while holding them accountable through policy and regular evaluations, fosters a balance between leadership and oversight.
5. The Board Monitors Performance
Monitoring district performance ensures that the board’s directives are being implemented through district practice, while providing a formal means for board accountability to the community. The monitoring process also allows the board to ensure that its policies are clear enough to have the intended effect of progress being made toward achieving the goals captured in written board policy.
Sample policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, states that the board will “periodically review its policies for relevancy, monitor its policies for effectiveness, and consider whether any modifications are required.” In addition, specific monitoring requirements can be found throughout the board’s policy manual. The board’s policies also include details about data needed for the monitoring process. For example, sample policy 6:10, Educational Philosophy and Objectives, states “In order for the Board to monitor whether the educational program is attaining these objectives…the Superintendent shall prepare an annual report that includes…”
The ongoing monitoring process provides an opportunity for the board and Superintendent to discuss strategies for continuous improvement.
6. The Board Takes Responsibility for Itself
Finally, effective boards must also take responsibility for themselves. Continuous improvement through training and self-evaluation equips boards to meet the challenges of effective governance.
Section 2 of the board policy manual captures how the board has determined to do this important work. For example, sample policy 2:120, Board Member Development, provides a framework for board training, ensuring that members are prepared to fulfill their roles. Regular self-evaluation helps boards assess their own performance and identify areas for growth, modeling the accountability they expect from the district. The policy also outlines a new board member orientation program and how the board should best communicate the training they’ve completed to the district.
Conclusion
IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance provide school boards with a framework for leading with integrity, vision, and accountability. Central to these principles is the board policy manual, which offers clarity, structure, and consistency in guiding the board’s work. Regularly revisiting and updating policies ensure that they remain aligned with the district’s evolving needs. Effective governance is a continuous process of reflection, adaptation, and leadership — rooted in principles that guide districts toward success.
John Fines is Director of Policy Services for the Illinois Association of School Boards.