Understanding Board Policies and
Administrative Regulations
Christopher R. Hoffman, Superintendent
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Overview
Elk Grove Unified School District understands
the important function of developing and
maintaining education policy. Policies guide
school boards and district staff in making
important decisions on education matters.
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What is a Board Policy (BP) and Exhibit?
A Board Policy is defined as:
The Board of Education adopts Board policies that
provide general guidance for effectively operating the
school district.
Statements reflecting principles that guide staff as they
carry out their duties.
Statements of principle intended to promote progress
toward the district’s goals.
Exhibits are additional information, examples, or standard
forms, necessary to understand and/or comply with a
policy.
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What is an Administrative Regulation (AR)?
An Administrative regulation is defined as:
District Administration develops and approves
Administrative Regulations that directly support the Board
Policies.
The Administrative Regulation provides specific procedural
steps for carrying out a policy.
Procedures are specific rather than general, translating the
basic policy into action by designating how, by whom,
where and when certain actions are to be carried out or
limited.
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Bylaws are rules adopted by an organization primarily
for the purpose of governing its members and the
regulation of operating the school district.
Bylaws also provide guidance on roles and
responsibilities of Board Members and rules and
procedures for conducting Board meetings.
What are Board Bylaws (BB)?
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Board Policy Organization
Policies and administrative regulations are organized as
follows:
0000 Philosophy-Goals-Objectives-Comprehensive Plans
including: District Goals, Site Councils, Technology Plan, Safety Plan
1000 Community Relations including: Visitors/Outsiders, Volunteers, Complaint Procedures
2000 Administration including: Superintendent Evaluation
3000 Business & Noninstructional Operations including: Budget, Transportation, Food Services,
Emergency Procedures
4000 Personnel
5000 Students including: Grades, Discipline, Health issues
6000 Instruction including: Curriculum, Special Education
7000 Facilities including: Facilities Master Plan
8000 Left blank for future expansion
9000 Bylaws of the Board
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Cross References - A "cf." followed by a policy number and title indicates a cross
reference to a related policy. If the district has adopted the cross referenced policy, you
may click on the link provided to access the policy.
Example: (cf. 5121 Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
Legal References - Citations related to laws or court decisions are provided in the legal
references at the end of policies, bylaws and those regulations for which no policy is
provided.
Example: Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
48230 Exemption from full-time school attendance for students with work permits
Management Resources - Additional materials that may be helpful are listed under
Management Resources at the end of policies, bylaws or regulations. Management
resources include California Department of Education advisories and CSBA reports.
Example: Management Resources:
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS
Board Policy References
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Acronyms
Attached is a California Department of
Education Department website link that lists
many acronyms used in education documents.
https://www.cde.ca.gov/re/di/aa/ap/index.asp
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Questions
Should you have questions regarding policies,
please contact Delia Friesen in the Superintendent’s
Office at (916) 686-7700.
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