Policy Manual

A-130-BP: Policy Development

References:

• A-130

1. New board policy, regulations or procedures will be developed if:
   1. the quality of education in St. Albert Public Schools will be enhanced through a statement in which the board defines its beliefs, commitments and expectations on a specific topic.
   2. there is no legislation in place at the provincial level that already defines direction for the division on the topic, unless:
      1. a “duplication” statement is deemed to be in the best interests of the division; or
      2. a statement is needed to go beyond provincial direction on the topic in order to address local concerns and interests.
2. School, division, parents/guardians and community members may suggest the need for development or review of board policy, regulations or procedures.
   1. Suggestions, along with supporting rationale, are to be forwarded to the board secretary, who will inform the board.
   2. When developing/considering a new policy, the board may:
      1. direct administration to develop and to bring a draft policy for board consideration; or
      2. work cooperatively with administration to write a new policy for eventual circulation to stakeholders.
3. The board will review current policies, regulations and procedures on a cyclical basis to ensure that division needs are met.
4. The following process will be used for the development of new or revised policy, regulations or procedures:
   1. Early in the school year, division administration will provide the board with a compiled list of policies to be considered for:
      1. full review and circulation;
      2. review, no change (do not circulate); or
      3. rescinding.
   2. The board will decide and inform division administration of the actions that are required for the current year’s policies.
   3. An annual policy review schedule will be prepared by division administration for the board.
   4. The timeline below will guide the policy review process.