Submitted. The Abbotsford Board of Education has given notice that a revised set of District Policies will be considered for approval at the next regular Board meeting on October 22. These policies will replace the existing policy manual, which has been in place for a number of years. The policies are accompanied by a new set of administrative procedures, which have been developed under the authority of Superintendent Kevin Godden.
“Our board believes that the primary focus of a school district is to improve student learning,” says Board Chair Cindy Schafer. “Moving from the existing policy structure to one that is streamlined with a focus on strategic policy governance will better position the board to fulfill our vision for the district. Leadership and governance are an important part of our Strategic Plan, and we are confident that this new policy approach will support our vision to have an individualized learning experience for every child in our care.”
In late 2009 the Board of Education initiated a process to review its governance structure. This included a complete review and reconsideration of the policy structure currently in place. To help guide this process, the Board reviewed a number of sources, including the Public Sector Governance, A Guide to the Principles of Good Practice, December 2008, along with policies from school districts both inside and outside of British Columbia.
Administrative procedures, which are now the responsibility of the Superintendent, will become the established mechanism to implement the policy intentions of the board. They are focused and specific, to enable the organization to fulfill its student learning mandate.
Public comment on the new policies and administrative procedures are invited via the school district website at www.sd34.bc.ca