Introduction to Board Policy

The Wake County Board of Education is the legally recognized body elected by the citizens of Wake County to oversee and govern its public school system. For a smoothly functioning operation, the school board and the superintendent work cooperatively to determine areas which need policies, to identify what those policies should include, and to write or revise policies as needed. Such policies must be based on a thorough understanding of the difference between policy functions and administrative procedures.

Policy statements serve as guideposts to all school system personnel and to the public. While policies are approved by the board of education, the superintendent and the administration are responsible for ensuring appropriate implementation of policies.

The purposes of policies are as follows:

To create a climate which allows school system personnel to use their talents and skills fully in the performance of their job responsibilities.

To provide uniform, consistent policy statements.

To maximize productivity.

To sustain the line of communication to staff and to the community.

To serve as an orientation tool for new board members.

To clarify board, superintendent, and staff relationships.

To provide an image that serves to attract and retain well-qualified personnel.

To provide an organizational structure that allows all employees the opportunity to participate appropriately in the improvement of instruction.

To give authority and responsibility to school system personnel in the operation of the system.

Included in this manual, are board policies as well as the regulations and procedures (R&P) that apply to a policy (if any). These R&Ps are located directly behind the policy they relate to and are on yellow paper.

Board policies are the broad-based statements of belief, philosophy, and doctrine by which the Wake County Public School System operates. R&Ps are the more specific and detailed instructions regarding the implementation of a policy.

The policies, rules, and procedures contained in this manual are subject to continuous review and revision. Nothing contained in this manual is intended to create any rights or entitlements not otherwise existing under law.

August 1992