An introduction to policies, processes, and bylaws
Why do boards have policies, processes, and bylaws?
Policies and bylaws are the tools a board uses to govern its school.
Processes document how the policies and bylaws are implemented.
All three keep the school safe within the legislation and are the rules within which the school operates.
What's the difference between a policy, a process, and a bylaw?
Policies set the outcomes your board wants to achieve.
They should be detailed enough to state clear expectations and limitations about how the outcomes will be accomplished.
Because they give clear expectations and limitations, staff (often the principal) can adapt and change school procedures.
Policies are permissive – allowing the principal to manage and operate the school within safe boundaries.
Processes (procedures) set out how policies will be implemented in the school.
Bylaws are school rules; your board or its delegate makes them.
Your school will enforce full compliance with them, and there will be disciplinary and/or consequences for not following them.
What should your policies and processes look like?
Your board should have documentation that you can look at.
You can also view our sample policy suite from our article Refreshed Governance Framework 2025.
How often should you review your policies and processes?
Most policies can be placed on a three-year review cycle as part of your board's work planopen_in_new.
Others should be reviewed when needed, like the presiding member role description policy, every time a new person is appointed.
Should you share your policies and processes with the public?
Yes - it's a great way to demonstrate your board's commitment to transparent governance.
Some may benefit from consultation with your community when being developed or reviewed.
Questions your board could ask
- Do we understand the difference between a policy, a process, and a bylaw?
- Are these documented and available to the board, the community, and the school?
- Do we have a regular review plan in place?
Templates, resources, and references
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