Administrative regulations (AR) are detailed directions governing the operation of the school system and put policy into practice by describing how, where, when and by whom things are to be done.
What an AR is:
Provides the details for carrying out policy and enforcing it
Sets forth specific requirements
May list do's and don'ts
May include step-by-step procedures
May assign specific responsibility
What an AR is not:
A handbook (e.g., employee, student, parent, athletic, etc.)
A plan (e.g., health and safety, technology, school improvement, emergency management, etc.)
Job descriptions
Forms (with some exceptions)
Why is an AR important?
An AR:
Assigns detail needed to implement policy to staff, allowing the board to focus on broad issues
Provides administration the flexibility to make timely changes to effectively implement policy
Provides detailed requirements, procedures and prohibitions under which the school system will be operated
May satisfy a state or federal requirement or serve as a compliance indicator
Informs staff, students and the community
The administration is authorized to formulate such ARs appropriate for the implementation of policies adopted by the board and necessary for the consistent operation of the school system.
Most ARs, once developed, are simply reviewed by the board; however, some require adoption. Contact OSBA policy services staff for a current list.
