“I wanted to say how much I appreciate the work of the VSBA on our policy review. We were able to fast track a missing policy as a result of this detailed policy review as proof positive. This is truly a great service to Boards that should be taken advantage of. The VSBA has given us much to think about as we now have a plan to address the required and recommended policies into an effective policy review plan."
Gaston Bathalon,
North Country SU Policy Committee Chair
VT Education Policy Service
Why policy is a priority:
A school district with legally compliant, up-to-date written policies and administrative procedures enjoys several advantages:
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Policies and procedures provide direction the board and administrators when dealing with daily occurrences and ensure that the board and administrators are performing their respective policy and management functions.
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Policies allow the board to articulate school district goals and establish long-term continuity.
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Policies describe the board’s expectations and provide a means for it to delegate the responsibility for meeting those expectations to administrators.
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Policies are an essential component of a risk management program. They ensure compliance with federal and state mandated policy requirements when failure to comply can expose the district to legal liability.
Model Policies & Consultation
Policy Review
Other Services
The VSBA is able to offer policy guidance tailored to Vermont schools. We stay abreast of developments in education law to ensure policies are up-to-date. See the link below for a more complete list of policy services.
Available to all types of school boards as part of basic VSBA membership. The VEPS makes available regularly updated “Model Policies” which districts can use for guidance in revising policy manuals. Districts can ask for guidance on policy interpretation questions and general policy manual development.
A diagnostic scan of your district's policy manual to assess its strengths and areas of concern, explain what is needed to bring it into compliance, and to design a recommended course of action for the district's policy committee.
Please note that policy review services are paused while the legislature is in session.
For further information or to request support with our policy service, contact Cara Zimmerman or call 802-223-3580.