1.0 Rationale

The Board of Trustees is responsible for reviewing, revising and approving policies developed by staff that clearly communicate the Board’s will and intent regarding the operation of District School Board Ontario North East (DSB1) system and its schools. These policies guide the CEO / Secretary of the Board and staff in the day-to-day administration of the system.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all policies of the Board are developed, reviewed, and approved using a consistent, thorough, and transparent process that reflects the priorities and goals of the Board.

 A clear and standardized process supports accountability, accessibility for the public, and alignment with the Board’s strategic priorities.

2.0 Definitions

A Policy is a statement or series of statements approved by the Board of Trustees to direct a course of action that supports the Priorities of the Board.  In a policy, the word Board refers to the Board of Education.

Operational Procedures define the implementation of Board policy, providing detailed processes related to the day-to-day management of schools and departments. They are issued under the authority of the CEO / Secretary of the Board or designate and are received by the Board. In a procedure, the word Board refers to the staff of the District School Board Ontario North East.

Policy Review is the process by which existing Board policies are examined and revised as needed. Policy review occurs on a four-year cycle unless an earlier review is required.

Operational Procedures Review follows a parallel four-year cycle unless otherwise required 

3.0 Policy

DSB1 is committed to developing and maintaining policies that ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with the Board’s goals and responsibilities. 

4.0 Board of Trustees

4.1 The prime function of the Board of Trustees is the development of policies which:

4.1.1 Indicates to the public, the general will and intent of the Board regarding the operation of the system and the schools;

4.1.2 Guide the CEO / Secretary of the Board and staff in the day-to-day administration of the system. 

5.0 Policies

5.1. A new or revised policy shall be approved by the Board of Trustees by two-thirds vote, upon recommendation from the Governance and Policy Committee following Policy Review outlined below. 

5.2 A policy statement will:

5.2.1 Have clear purpose; 

5.2.2 Reflect the priorities and goals of the Board;

5.3 Policies may only emanate from the Board, by motion duly authorized at a public meeting of the Board.

6.0 Policy Review

6.1 Policy development and review may take place any time during the year as required, in the Governance and Policy Committee.

6.2 Policy review is on a four (4) year cycle, unless otherwise required. 

6.3 Policies are reviewed by the Governance and Policy Standing Committee and recommended to the Board for approval.

6.4 The most current version of the Policy will be maintained on the Board’s website.

7.0 Operational Procedures

7.1 Operational Procedures are the implementation of the policy which include details of the day-to-day management of schools and departments.

7.2 Operational Procedures are issued under the authority of the CEO / Secretary of the Board or designate and are received by the Board.

7.3 The most current version of the Procedure is maintained on the Board’s website.