How to use the policy update subscription

As a Policy Update subscriber you will receive a quarterly newsletter that includes access to electronic copies of any OSBA sample policies that have been updated or recently drafted. The sample policies are intended to provide a basis for drafting policy that meets local needs. The samples should always be considered as open to modification. Rarely does one policy statement reflect the needs and concerns of all. The newsletter and policy samples are not meant to replace the advice of legal counsel.

To make the best use of Policy Update, it is suggested that a discussion on the various issues be held. The sample policies should be used to determine areas for which policy should be developed or revised, to get ideas for what a policy should contain and as a starting point for editing, modifying and discussing the local board's policy position. The best policy is that which your local board develops for its particular circumstances. That’s why we recommend that you do not adopt every sample policy in Policy Update. Whatever you decide, it is critical for policies to be up to date, legal and reflect current practice.

Each policy is designated by OSBA policy staff as required, conditionally required, highly recommended or optional and are provided to assist your board in its policy-making process. 

The best policy is that which your local board develops for its particular circumstances. That’s why we recommend that you do not adopt every sample policy in Policy Update. Whatever you decide, it is critical for policies to be up to date, legal and reflect current practice. 

To gain access to Policy Update:

• Log onto www.osba.org
• In bottom left hand corner of website enter in your log in (email address) then click Forgot Password (unless you have previously set your password). Go to your email and find a temporary password and enter this temporary password to gain access and log in
• Once logged in you will have access to the subscriptions (and reset your password)
• Select ‘My Subscriptions’
• Select ‘Policy Update’ (or Charter Policy Update)
• Find the format you would like to download (i.e., WordPerfect, Word, etc.) and select. When the dialog box pops up Choose Run, and Choose Run again. Follow instructional dialog box that follows when download is complete to access the saved documents on your hard drive
• Remember to download and print a copy (go back to the "Policy Update" page) of the appropriate ‘Summary’ (i.e., district, ESD, CC, charter)