SCHOOL SYSTEM POLICIES & GOVERNANCE
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The School District of Osceola County is governed by a five-member School Board. The Board of Education is responsible for establishing policies and providing support for quality educational opportunities for all students. The current (2001-02) members of the Board are:

  • David Stone Chair
  • Mike Harford Vice Chair
  • Thomas Chalifoux, Jr.
  • Tom Greer
  • Judy Robinson

An analysis of the print and online versions of the School District of Osceola County Manual of School Board Rules and related documents indicates that policy is generally up-to-date and comprehensive. Several policies associated with effective schools have already been adopted in the following important categories:

  • Care of School Equipment
  • Superintendent Authority Over School Personnel
  • Staff Development
  • Personnel Evaluation
  • School-Site Management
  • School Rules and Regulations
  • Public Involvement in School Affairs
  • Parent Involvement in School Governance
  • School Unit Accountability
  • Superintendent/Principal Leadership
  • Separation of Policy Making and Administration/Methodology
  • High Expectations of Staff and Students
  • Curriculum and Content Equity
  • Monitoring of Student Performance
  • Public Reporting of Student Performance
  • Periodic Reporting of Student Performance Data
  • School Climate
  • School Standards
  • Equal Opportunity Employment
  • Data-Based Decision Making

The site visit team notes that several policies related to effective schooling are not present or need to be strengthened. While some of the following topics may be addressed in other policies or within administrative procedure guidelines, or are practiced informally within the district, distinct policies in these areas are not apparent. The Audit team suggests that the School Board give attention to the development, strengthening, and/or expansion of effective policy in these areas. Model policy statements in each of the following areas (as well as other areas related to effectiveness, noted above) are included in Appendix E of this report for Board of Education review and consideration:

  • Instructional Objectives1
  • Homework
  • Community Partnerships2
  • Recognition of Outstanding Performance of Students and Staff
  • School Volunteers3
  • Access to Computers and Other Technology for All Students

The on-line (read-only) School Board Rules Manual is particularly useful and easy to access. The Audit team suggests, however, creating a more specific table of contents as well as an alphabetical index of topics to aid readers in locating relevant rules and policies. These tools would be useful for both the electronic and print versions of the manual. As the School Board Rules Manual is revised and improved, efforts should be maintained to keep the on-line manual current and available to all school district personnel as well as to community constituents.

1 -- References to goals and objectives exist in the School Board Rules manual (see for example the opening statement of the Pupil Progression Plan), but the Audit team did not locate a single statement of objectives. Please see Appendix E for suggested language in this area.

2 -- Section 1.3 provides extensive discussion of School Advisory Councils and the involvement of community and business leaders. The Audit team did not locate a specific policy related to the formation of actual partnerships with business and community organizations. Please see Appendix E for suggested language in this area.

3 -- References to volunteers appear in section 5.1.2D in the discussion of non-certificated instructional support personnel. The Audit team suggests clearer language specifically regarding school volunteers. Please see Appendix E for suggested language in this area.

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