The Board, which represents the local community, develops policies after careful deliberation, and the school administration implements the policies through specific regulations and procedures. The Board then assesses the effects of its policies and makes revisions as necessary. In the interest of harmony, efficiency, uniformity of interpretation, coordination of effort, and in fairness to all concerned, the board makes this manual available to all who are affected by its policies. Generally the role of a Board of Education is to set policy and the role of the Administration is to implement policy through regulations. They tell what is wanted and may include why and how much.
Regulations are detailed directions developed by the administration to put policy into practice.
They tell how, by whom, where, and when things are to be done. These definitions are serviceable most of the time. They reflect sound theory of governance and administration, but the real world does not always conform. A Board signs contracts and agreements which may contain and interweave policies, regulations, and procedural detail. The public, staff, or Board members may demand that the Board itself, not the administration, establish specific regulations and procedures in certain sensitive areas.