Policies are statements of principle which the board adopts to outline a course of action.
They tell what is wanted, and often why and indicate how much. Policies should be broad enough to admit discretionary action by the administration, but specific enough to give clear guidance. One of the problems a board faces in policy development is distinguishing board policy from administrative rule. Board members should remember that while policy is a guide to present and future action, administrative rules are detailed directives that are used to put the policy into effect. Administrative rules are developed by the administration and tell who does what, when, where, and how.