The Board, with participation of the community, will make policy and set priorities that will provide students with an education that includes 21st century skills and prepare students for American and global citizenship.
Responsible Governance: The board, with participation by the community, shall envision the future of the school district's educational program and formulate goals, define outcomes and set the course for the school district. This will be done within the context of racial, ethnic and religious diversity and with a commitment to education excellence and equity for all students.
Creating Conditions for Student and Staff Success: To achieve the vision, the board will establish a structure which reflects local circumstances and creates an environment designed to ensure all students the opportunity to attain their maximum potential. This includes employing a superintendent, developing and approving policies, analyzing research and best practices, formulating budgets, setting high instructional goals for staff and students, creating equity for all students, and nurturing a climate conducive to continuous improvement.
High Expectations for Student Learning: The board will continuously articulate the belief that all students can learn and that each student’s learning can improve regardless of existing circumstances or resources. The board will act as leaders of a vision of shared learning that is supported by individual schools and the community.
Accountability for Student Learning: The board's accountability to the community will include adopting a system of continuous assessment of all conditions affecting education, including assessments for measuring staff and student progress towards goals. The board is committed to transparency in their actions and decisions, and as such, the public will be kept informed about programs and progress. Staff and board training will be provided to ensure continuous improvement of student achievement. Decisions will be made to achieve equity for all students.
Community Engagement: The board shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students and their schools. The board shall work to advance the community's vision for its schools, pursue the district's goals, encourage progress and energize systemic change and ensure that students are treated as whole persons in a diversified society.
Cross Reference:
Key Functions of the Board Procedures - Policy 1005P
Policy Adoption, Manuals and Administrative Procedures - Policy 1310
Annual Governance Goals and Objectives - Policy 1810
Board Self-Assessment - Policy 1820
Management Resource:
Washington School Board Standards - June 27, 2009
Model Policies Aligned with Washington School Board Standards - February 2012
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: March 1983
Revised by the Board: 11.98, 8.03, 9.08, 4.15
Classification: Priority