It is the intent of the Board to develop policies and put them in writing so that they may serve as guidelines and goals for the successful and efficient functioning of the Public Schools.

The St. Tammany Parish School Board considers policy development its chief function, along with providing the wherewithal such as personnel, buildings, materials, and equipment for the successful administration, application, and execution of its policies.

The Board accepts the definition of policy set forth by the National School Boards Association;

Policies are principles adopted by the School Board to chart a course of action. They tell what is wanted; they may include why and how much. Policies should be broad enough to indicate a line of action to be followed by the administration in meeting a number of problems; narrow enough to give clear guidance. Policies are guides for action by the administration, who then sets the rules and regulations to provide specific directions to school district personnel.

It is the Board's intention that its policies serve as sources of information and guidance for all people who are interested in, or connected with, the public schools which serve the parish.

The policies of the Board are framed, and are meant to be interpreted, in terms of Louisiana laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and all other regulatory agencies within our local parish, state, and federal levels of government. The policies are also framed, and are meant to be interpreted, in terms of those educational objectives, procedures, and practices which are broadly accepted by leaders and authorities in the public education field.

Changes in needs, conditions, purposes, and objectives within the School System will require revisions, deletions, and additions to the policies of present and future Boards. The Board will welcome suggestions for ongoing policy development, seeking same directly through the Superintendent of Schools.

The St. Tammany Parish School Board shall reserve to itself the function of providing guides for the discretionary action of those to whom it delegates authority. These guides for discretionary action shall constitute the policies governing the operation of the School System. They shall be recorded in writing.

The formulation and adoption of these written policies shall constitute the basic method by which the School Board shall exercise its leadership in the operation of the School System. The study and evaluation of reports concerning the execution of its written policies shall constitute the basic method by which the Board shall exercise its control over the operation of the School System.

         The formal adoption of policies shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board. Only those written statements so adopted and so recorded shall be regarded as official Board policy.