POLICY ADOPTION

Adoption of new policies or changing existing policies is solely the responsibility of the School Committee. Policies will be adopted and/or amended only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the School Committee when such action has been scheduled on the agenda of a regular or special meeting.

To permit time for study of all policies or amendments to policies and to provide an opportunity for interested parties to react, proposed policies or amendments will first be presented and discussed for a first reading at an open meeting of the School Committee. Policy development shall require an analysis that includes:

• A discussion of the need for new policy or policy amendment;

• Information and input from multiple sources;

• Financial implications;

• Alignment with district’s mission, vision, and goals;

• Coherence with state and federal law, as well as other district policies.

During the first reading of the proposed policy or policies, input from Superintendent shall be provided followed by a discussion of the Committee and directions for any redrafting. The agenda item shall then be tabled for a vote at the next Committee meeting.

During the second reading of the proposed policy or policies, further discussion may ensue, followed by adoption or rejection. Amendments to the policy at the second reading stage will not require repetition of the sequence, unless the Committee so directs.

The School Committee may dispense with the above sequence to meet emergency conditions.

Policies will be effective upon the date set by the School Committee. This date will ensure that affected persons have an opportunity to become familiar with the requirements of the new policy prior to its implementation.

LEGAL REFERENCE: General Laws of Rhode Island, 16-2-9(2)

ADAPTED FROM MASC

ADOPTED: October 16, 2017