These model policies serve as starting points, not finished products. They are intended to prompt discussion among board members and with district administration, not necessarily to be adopted verbatim. Every board should revise this language to reflect its own district’s circumstances, governance culture, and priorities before adopting.
These model policies are published freely and openly. Boards, board members, administrators, and consultants are welcome to use, share, and amend them in any way that is useful to them, without needing to ask permission.
Boards considering these policies should consult with their district’s legal counsel to confirm that any policy they adopt complies with applicable state law.
Budgeting
The purpose of this policy is to set expectations regarding the roles of the community and the Board of Education in the budgeting process, to establish clear lines of authority for the development of the district’s budget, and to direct the use of priority-based budgeting so that the annual budget effectively reflects and implements the district’s goals and priorities.
This policy reflects the Board’s belief that a school board should function as an active, engaged governing body in budgetary matters. The Board’s role in the budget process is not limited to ratifying decisions made by administration. An open and collaborative process, in which the Board sets clear direction early and administration develops a budget within that direction, allows the district to draw on the knowledge of both its elected governing body and its professional staff.
Immigration Enforcement
The district is committed to ensuring that every student can learn in a safe and welcoming environment, free from fear or disruption caused by immigration enforcement activity. This policy limits the district’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and protects the privacy of students, families, and staff, regardless of immigration status.
Gender Inclusion
This policy addresses the inequities that transgender, gender diverse, intersex, and gender-nonconforming students and staff confront when school and workplace systems are designed around a binary understanding of gender. It applies to all students and employees of the district.
Responsible Contracting
The district is committed to using its construction and contracting dollars to support fair wages and responsible workplaces. This policy supports the payment of prevailing wages, supports the use of Project Labor Agreements, requires labor neutrality from district contractors, and directs the district not to do business with contractors that have a recent record of wage theft or other serious labor law violations.
Ethical Investments
The district shall manage its investments consistent with its fiduciary obligations while excluding categories of investment that the Board has determined conflict with the district’s values, consistent with applicable law.
School Culture and Restorative Discipline
The Board believes in creating a positive, relationship-based culture across the district that supports every member of the school community. The intentional development of a strong, supportive school culture significantly decreases the need for exclusionary discipline and the instructional time students lose to it. This policy directs the district toward preventative and restorative approaches to student behavior.
Sweatshop-Free Purchasing
The district is committed to using its purchasing power responsibly. The district shall not purchase or lease apparel, footwear, or sports and athletic gear and equipment produced under sweatshop conditions, and shall use the requirements of this policy to encourage fair wages and safe working conditions throughout its supply chain.
Student Representation
The Board values the perspective of the students it serves. This policy establishes a district-wide Student Advisory Board and a rotating student delegate to the Board, so that student voice is a regular part of the Board’s deliberations.