POLICY

We are sharing the most frequently used numbering system for school board policies in Pennsylvania. This system is part of the Pennsylvania School Board Association Policy program and is copyrighted and solely owned by the association. This section is for informational and educational purposes only. This is a guide only, and your district may use a different system. PA WInS values the chance to educate advocates about the most significant policy systems as we strive to promote the best policies for our students and communities.

Any use of this information by a school district, organization, or individuals is not permitted without the express written permission of PSBA.

There are two paths that policies can be adopted that are used by most districts.  Many districts function as a committee of the whole.  This distinction means that there are no separate committees with separate meetings.  The board will meet as a whole to discuss topics such as policies and then have them added to the agenda as items to be voted on by the entire board.  This process usually takes place in a work session or during a discussion portion of the agenda.  If agreed to by the majority of the board, it is moved to the Action or voting agenda.  Most boards have two readings for policies whether new or amended.  After the first reading, changes can reflect the discussion at the board meeting.  The second reading is the final voting opportunity and if approved, will become the new adopted policy for the district. 

Many other districts use the committee structure for their policy activities.  A policy will be reviewed by the policy committee and discussed among the board members in that committee. Once the committee is satisfied with the policy, it will be added to the Action/Voting agenda as the first reading.  Almost all districts require two readings of a policy before adoption, but exceptions exist.  Some districts do not require the two readings so check out the policy for your district for guidance. During the discussion of the first reading, changes are often made to the policy.  If there are no substantial changes, the board will vote to approve the first reading and have it moved to the second reading at a future meeting.  The timeline between these readings will be part of the policy section 000 Board Procedures. Some districts require 28 days and others will be able to vote on the measure at the next meeting. There are examples below. If approved after the second reading, the policy is then adopted. 

Most districts use the following language regarding policy suspensions: Those procedures and policies that are not dictated by the statutes, or regulations of the State Board, or ordered by a court of competent authority may be adopted, amended or repealed at any meeting of the Board, provided the proposed adoption, amendment or repeal has been proposed at a previous Board meeting and has remained on the agenda of each succeeding Board meeting until approved or rejected.

There are specific policies that outline how the meeting of the board will take place, how the public can engage with the board during the meetings, and how policy is implemented. The policies that cover these topics are found in the 000 section: Local Board Procedures.  Most districts follow this numbering system but there are local differences depending on whether the board has decided to define additional items for clarity and thoroughness.

 Please note that districts often have differing numbers for policies within a category.  For example, Lower Merion has the policy development covered under 0004 whereas William Penn and many others have it covered under 003 while others under 007.  Please check the school district website to find the policy section you need to discern the policy procedures at the district.  It might take some effort, but each district must have it covered within the policy and procedure section of the policy manual.