District Policies
Governing policies express the school board’s values, their expectations about the way the school district will be run, and the end results they want district staff to work to achieve. The board is able to lead, direct, inspire, and control the outcomes and operations of the district through carefully crafting this set of policy statements and effectively monitoring them.
Governing Policies provide a logical process for the Ferndale School Board to govern effectively. The board is committed to using them to:
- Eliminate confusion between board and superintendent roles;
- Focus on student outcomes and achievement results;
- Free the superintendent and staff to do their jobs without the board's intrusion into day-to-day management decisions; and
- Achieve control over operational decisions in a manner that maintains the board’s authority at the governance level.
Any questions regarding policies, please contact the Superintendent office (360)383.9207.
Superintendent Administrative Policies
Under a policy governance model, like the one we have implemented in Ferndale, the superintendent, not the school board, is responsible for the administrative policies and procedures that describe how the school district operates. Even though these administrative policies fall under the purview of the superintendent, in most cases the law requires the board to take official action to approve and/or adopt them. When there is not a legal mandate for doing so, the superintendent generally chooses to include new or significantly changed policies for consideration on the agenda of a board meetings anyway in order to keep board members informed. New administrative policies are included either as separate items for discussion or as part of the Superintendent’s Consent Agenda.
Administrative policies are categorized into the six following areas, which have been established at the state level and are consistent throughout school districts in Washington:
- 1000 -- Board of Directors. Policies pertaining to School Board meetings, board member elections and governance.
- 2000 -- Instruction. Policies pertaining to student learning programs, school organization, and instructional requirements.
- 3000 -- Students. Policies pertaining to admission and attendance, rights and responsibilities, and student activities.
- 4000 -- Community Relations. Policies pertaining to communications with the public, public participation in schools, public access to staff and students, and relations with other agencies.
- 5000 -- Personnel. Policies pertaining to recruitment, hiring, employment, compensation, leaves, and benefits.
- 6000 -- Management Support. Policies pertaining to financial planning, revenues, purchasing, risk management, transportation, food service, school property, and capital projects.
1000 -- Board of Directors. Policies pertaining to School Board meetings, board member elections and governance.
- 1000 -Legal Status And Operation
- 1005 -Responsibilities Of The Board
- 1105 -Director Districts
- 1110 -Election
- 1111 -Oath Of Office
- 1112 -Director Orientation
- 1113 - Board Member Residency
- 1114 - Board Member Resignation And Vacancy
- 1210 - Annual Organizational Meeting
- 1220 - Board Officers And Duties Of Board Members
- 1240 - Committees
- 1250 -Students on Governing Board
- 1310 -Policy Adoption, Manuals And Administrative Procedures
- 1320 -Suspension Of A Policy
- 1330 -Administration In The Absence Of Policy Or Procedure
- 1400 -Meeting Conduct, Order of Business and Quorum
- 1410 -Executive Or Closed Sessions
- 1420 -Proposed Agenda And Consent Agenda
- 1440 -Minutes
- 1450 -Absence Of A Board Member
- 1610 -Conflicts Of Interest
- 1620 -The Board-Superintendent Relationship
- 1630 -Evaluation Of The Superintendent
- 1731 -Board Member Expenses
- 1732 -Board Member Insurance
- 1733 - Board Member Compensation
- 1805 -Open Government Training
- 1810 -Annual Governance Goals And Objectives
- 1820 -Board Self-Assessment
- 1822 -Training And Development For Board Members
- 1830 -Participation In School Boards' Association
2000 -- Instruction. Policies pertaining to student learning programs, school organization, and instructional requirements.
- 2000 -Student Learning Goals
- 2004 -Accountability Goals
- 2005 -School Improvement Plans
- 2020 -Curriculum Development And Adoption Of Instructional Materials
- 2022 -Electronic Resources
- 2024 -Online Learning
- 2025 -Copyright Compliance Copy
- 2030 -Service Animals In Schools
- 2090 -Program Evaluation
- 2100 -Educational Opportunities For Military Children
- 2104 -Federal And_or State Funded Special Instructional Programs
- 2106 -Program Compliance
- 2107 -Comprehensive Early Literacy Plan
- 2108 -Remediation Programs
- 2110 -Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program
- 2121 -Substance Abuse Program
- 2125 -Sexual Health Education
- 2126 -Hiv-Aids Prevention Education
- 2133 -Diversity Multicultural Education
- 2140 - Comprehensive School Counseling Program
- 2145 -Suicide Prevention
- 2150 -Co-curricular Program
- 2151 -Interscholastic Activities
- 2153 -Non-curriculum-related Student Groups
- 2161 -Special Education And Related Services For Eligible Students
- 2162 -Education Of Students With Disabilities Under Section 504 Of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973
- 2165 -Home Or Hospital Instruction
- 2170 - Career And Technical Education
- 2190 -Highly Capable Programs
- 2220 -School Calendar
- 2240 -Summer School
- 2255 -Alternative Learning Experience Programs
- 2320 -Field Trips_ Excursions And Outdoor Education
- 2331 -Controversial Issues-guest Speakers
- 2333 -Flag Exercises
- 2336 -Required Observances (Veterans Day, Consitution Day, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day and Disability History Month)
- 2340 -Religious-related Activities And Practices
- 2409 -Credit For Competency-proficiency
- 2410 -High School Graduation Requirements
- 2411 -Certificate Of Educational Competency
- 2412 -Diplomas For Veterans
- 2413 -Equivalency Credit For Career And Technical Education Courses
- 2414 -Community Service
- 2418 -Waiver of High School Graduation credits
- 2420 -Grading And Progress Reports
- 2421 -Promotion-retention
- 2422 -Homework
3000 -- Students. Policies pertaining to admission and attendance, rights and responsibilities, and student activities.
- 3110 -Qualification Of Attendance And Placement
- 3114 -Part-time, Home-based, or Off-campus Students
- 3115 -Homeless Students-Enrollment Rights And Services
- 3116 -Students in Out-of-Home Care
- 3120 -Enrollment
- 3122 -Excused And Unexcused Absences
- 3123 -Withdrawal Prior To Graduation
- 3124 -Removal-Release Of Student During School Hours
- 3126 -Child Custody
- 3131 -District Attendance Area Transfers
- 3140 -Release Of Resident Students
- 3141 -Nonresident Students
- 3142 -International Student Exchange
- 3143 -District Notification Of Juvenile Offenders
- 3144 -Release Of Information Concerning Student Sexual And Kidnapping Offenders
- 3145 -Sex Offender Access to District Property
- 3200 -Rights And Responsibilities
- 3205 -Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited
- 3207 -Prohibition Of Harassment, Intimidation And Bullying
- 3208 -Prevention and Response to Relationship Abuse and Sexual Violence
- 3210 -Nondiscrimination
- 3211 -Gender-Inclusive Schools
- 3220 -Freedom Of Expression
- 3223 -Freedom Of Assembly
- 3224 -Student Dress
- 3225 - School Based Threat Assessment
- 3226 -Interviews And Interrogations Of Students On School Premises
- 3230 -Student Privacy And Searches
- 3231 -Student Records
- 3232 -Parent And Student Rights In Administration Of Surveys_ Analysis Or Evaluations
- 3240 -Student Conduct Expectations And Reasonable Sanctions
- 3241 -Classroom Management_ Corrective Actions Or Punishment
- 3242 -Closed Campus
- 3243 -Student Driving
- 3244 -Prohibition Of Corporal Punishment
- 3245 -Students And Telecommunication Devices
- 3246 -Use Of Isolation Restraint Restraint Devices And Reasonable Force
- 3247 -Required Notification Of Isolation Or Restraint Of Students With Ieps Or 504 Plans
- 3410 -Student Health
- 3411 - Accommodating Students with Seizure Disorders or Epilepsy
- 3412 -Automated External Defibrillators
- 3413 -Student Immunization And Life Threatening Health Conditions
- 3414 -Infectious Diseases
- 3415 -Accommodating Students With Diabetes
- 3416 -Medication At School
- 3417 -Catheterization
- 3418 -Response To Student Injury Or Illness
- 3419 -Self-administration Of Asthma And Anaphylaxis Medications
- 3420 -Anaphylaxis Prevention And Response
- 3421 -Child Abuse_ Neglect And Exploitation Prevention
- 3422 -Student Sports - Concussion And Head Injuries
- 3423 -Parental Administration of Marijuana for Medical Purposes
- 3424 -Opioid Related Overdose Reversal
- 3432 -Emergencies
- 3510 -Associated Student Bodies
- 3515 -Student Incentives
- 3520 -Student Fees_ Fines_ Or Charges
- 3530 -Fundraising Activities Involving Students
4000 -- Community Relations. Policies pertaining to communications with the public, public participation in schools, public access to staff and students, and relations with other agencies.
- 4000 -Public Information Program
- 4020 -Confidential Communications
- 4040 -Public Access to Distict Records
- 4060 -Distribution Of Materials
- 4110 -Citizen Advisory Committees
- 4120 -School Support Organizations
- 4129 -Family Involvement
- 4130 -Title I Parental Involvement
- 4200 -Safe And Orderly Learning Environment
- 4210 -Regulation Of Dangerous Weapons On School Premises
- 4215 -Use Of Tobacco And Nicotine Products And Delivery Devices
- 4218 -Language Access Plan
- 4220 -Complaints Concerning Staff Or Programs
- 4235 -Public Performances
- 4237 -Contests_ Advertising And Promotions
- 4260 -Use Of School Facilities
- 4310 -District Relations With Law Enforcement And Other Government Agencies
- 4314 -Notification Of Threats Of Violence Or Harm
- 4315 -Release Of Information Concerning Sexual And Kidnapping Offenders
- 4320 -Cooperative Programs With Other Districts_ Public Agencies_ Private Schools And Daycare Agencies
- 4400 -Election Activities
5000 -- Personnel. Policies pertaining to recruitment, hiring, employment, compensation, leaves, and benefits.
- 5000 -Recruitment and Selection of Staff
- 5001 -Hiring Of Retired School Employees
- 5005 -Employment Disclosures_ Certification Requirements_ Assurances And Approval
- 5006 -Certification Revocation
- 5009 -Civility
- 5010 -Nondiscrimination And Affirmative Action
- 5011 -Sexual Harassment
- 5012 -Domestic Violence
- 5020 -Collective Bargaining
- 5021 -Conflicts Between Policy And Bargaining Agreements
- 5050 -Contracts
- 5201 -Drug-free Schools_ Community And Workplace
- 5202 -Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Mandated Drug And Alcohol Testing Program
- 5203 -Staff Assistance Program
- 5215 -Assignment And Transfer Of Certificated Administrative Staff
- 5222 -Job-sharing Staff Members
- 5225 - Technology
- 5230 -Job Descriptions_responsibilities
- 5231 -Length Of Work Day
- 5251 -Conflicts Of Interest
- 5252 -Staff Participation In Political Activities
- 5253 -Maintaining Professional Staff-Student Boundaries
- 5255 -Response to a Crisis or Tragic Event
- 5260 -Personnel Records
- 5270 -Resolution Of Staff Complaints
- 5271 -Reporting Improper Governmental Action
- 5280 -Termination Of Employment
- 5281 -Disciplinary Action And Discharge
- 5310 -Compensation
- 5400 -Personnel Leaves
- 5401 -Sick Leave
- 5403 -Emergency And Discretionary Leaves
- 5404 -Family_ Maternity And Military Caregiver Leave
- 5406 -Leave Sharing
- 5407 -Military Leave
- 5408 -Jury Duty And Subpoena Leave
- 5409 -Unpaid Holidays For Reason Of Faith Or Conscience
- 5410 -Holidays
- 5510 -Retirement Programs
- 5525 -Professional_ Civic And Service Organization Memberships
- 5610 -Substitute Employment
- 5612 -Temporary Administrators
- 5630 -Volunteers
- 5641 -Student Teachers_ Interns
- 5642 -Administrative Internships
6000 -- Management Support. Policies pertaining to financial planning, revenues, purchasing, risk management, transportation, food service, school property, and capital projects.
- 6000 -Program Planning, Budget Preparation, Adoption and Implementation
- 6020 -System of Funds and Accounts
- 6021 -Interfund Loans
- 6022 -Minimum Fund Balance
- 6030 -Financial Reports
- 6040 -Expenditures In Excess Of Budget
- 6100 -Revenues From Local_ State And Federal Sources
- 6102 -District Fundraising Activities
- 6104 -Fees For Attendance At School Events
- 6106 -Allowable Costs for Federal Programs
- 6111 -Tuition
- 6112 -Rental Or Lease Of District Real Property
- 6113 -Recognition of Significant Gifts and Donations
- 6114 -Gifts
- 6120 -Investment Of Funds
- 6210 -Purchasing Authorization And Control
- 6212 -Charge Cards
- 6213 -Reimbursement For Travel Expenses
- 6215 -Voucher Certification And Approval
- 6216 -Reimbursement For Goods And Services Warrants
- 6220 -Bid Requirements
- 6230 -Relations with Vendors
- 6250 -Cellular Telephones
- 6500 -Risk Management
- 6511 -Staff Safety
- 6512 -Infection Control Program
- 6513 -Workplace Violence Prevention
- 6530 -Insurance
- 6535 -Student Insurance
- 6540 -School District_s Responsibility For Privately-owned Property
- 6570 -Property And Data Mangement
- 6600 -Transportation
- 6605 -Student Safety Walking_ Biking And Riding Buses To School
- 6608 -Video Cameras On School Buses
- 6620 -Special Transportation
- 6625 -Private Vehicle Transportation
- 6630 -Driver Training And Responsibility
- 6640 -School-owned Vehicles
- 6690 -Contracting For Transportation Services
- 6700 -Nutrition And Physical Fitness
- 6800 -Safety Operations And Maintenance Of School Property
- 6801 -Capital Assets_theft-sensitive Assets
- 6810 -Energy Management_ Education And Conservation
- 6881 -Disposal Of Surplus Equipment And_or Materials
- 6882 -Sale Of Real Property
- 6883 -Closure Of Facilities
- 6890 -State Environmental Policy Act Compliance
- 6895 -Pesticide Notification_ Posting And Record Keeping
- 6900 -Facilities Planning
- 6905 -Site Acquisition
- 6910 -Construction Financing
- 6920 -Construction Design
- 6925 -Architect And Engineering Services
- 6950 -Contractor Assurances_ Surety Bonds And Insurance
- 6955 -Maintenance Of Facilities Records
- 6959 -Acceptance Of Completed Project
- 6970 -Naming Schools And Facilities
- 6971 -Works Of Art
The board’s governing policies are grouped into four categories, each serving a distinct purpose. The four categories are:
- Governance Culture (GC) Policies
- Board Superintendent Relationship (BSR) Policies
- Operational Expectations (OE) Policies
- Results (R) Policies
Governance Culture (GC) Policies
GOVERNANCE CULTURE (GC): These policies define the board’s own work and how it will be carried out. They clearly state the expectations the board has for individual and collective behavior.
