The Five Components
EdCounsel Guide Service (EGS)
District Policies
The District Policies provide general guidance and rules for internal and external stakeholders. Policies make broad statements of the District’s policy and include items that are required by law to be in policy. District policies will include rules that apply to the public, the Board and administration, professional and support staff members, students and parents. The Superintendent and administrative staff will assist the Board in review and revision of District policies. District policies will be approved by the Board and posted on the District’s website.
Board Operating Manual
The Board Operating Manual provides guidance for the Board to fulfill responsibilities as the elected, governing body. It includes Board-approved internal procedures and practices for the Board, and outlines the expectations of individual Board members and Board leadership. The Board Operating Manual also includes basic commitments, Board norms, and expectations for the partnership between the Superintendent and the Board. The Superintendent will assist the Board in review and revision of the Board Operating Manual, which will be approved annually by the Board.
Administrative Procedures Manual
This manual contains general rules and direction for the administrative operations of the District. It provides general procedures to implement District policies and Board direction that are developed and approved by the Superintendent. While the Board may wish to periodically review the Administrative Manual, the Superintendent has the authority to make modifications to the manual without Board approval, unless otherwise directed by the Board.
Employee Manual
The Superintendent is also responsible for an Employee Manual to provide direction to the District’s professional and support staff. The Employee Manual provides employees information regarding benefits and rules for the workplace. The manual has superintendent developed, Board approved guidance and direction for employees of the District and contains items and notices required by law. The Board will annually review and approve the Employee Manual. Once adopted or amended, the Superintendent will inform district staff about the Employee Manual provisions they are expected to use and follow.
Student/Parent Handbook
The Student/Parent Handbook is a key tool for communication to students and parents of the District. It contains Superintendent developed and Board approved information, guidance, and rules, as well as items and notices required by law. This Handbook will be approved annually by the Board prior to distribution to students and parents. The Handbook will also be posted on the District’s website.
Finally a District policy system that makes sense!
Customization
In addition to providing the model documents, experienced attorneys and educators will work with your district representatives to customize the documents to suit your district’s needs.
Legal Interpretation of Your EGS Documents
Following adoption, experienced EdCounsel attorneys will provide advice regarding the interpretation of the guiding documents, all as part of the EGS. If questions arise regarding the interpretation of rule, or if the District wants to consider a revision to further customize the documents, EdCounsel attorneys will advise and assist District representatives with no extra charge, all as part of the EGS service.
