School Policy Review

As I began my work on the school policy review, I examined two different school policies. I am employed by a special education coop and am hired under a different, larger school district than the school I currently teach at. I began to look at the policy of the school where I am teaching and found it to be small in size. The entire policy was reviewed and modified in June 2006. From the original policy, it was compressed and consolidated from its original size. I found it difficult to find the policy situation examples given to us. I then got an electronic copy of the policy of the larger district that employs me. This policy was much more detailed and in depth. I spoke with my administrator in regards to both policies as I compared and contrasted the policy books. He commented that he has found larger districts to have more lengthy policies that try to address various situations whereas smaller districts may not address all situations. Our superintendent prefers to have the latitude to address certain situations as they arise and make decisions on a case by case need. I can see it from both ways. More policies may tend to lock the administrator in but, there is less leeway for interpretation. It appears to be black and white. If the policies are fewer and less detailed, the administrator can adjust as necessary but others may become upset or frustrated and believe favoritism may be occuring. I liked this assignment as it made me look in depth at the policy books and found information about both districts that I did not know before. I found myself questioning some of the information that I found. What are your opinions? As an administrator, do you feel it would be better to have more policies addressed and spelled out or have fewer policies where you would have the discretion to interpret as situations arise? Just curious what others think.