With our Policy on the Web ("PoW"), authorized users can:

• Access the charter school board policy manual from any computer with internet access.
• Reduce paper waste and costs associated with distributing and maintaining updates to board policies;
• Reduce potential liability associated with using inaccurate, outdated manuals; and
• Allow access to others via a general log-in which can be included on the school's website.

With our PoW, users can:

• Easily locate and print school board policies;
• Search the entire manual for terms or phrases on a particular topic and "jump" to such terms in all relevant policies; and
• View the entire charter school board manual (and administrative guidelines – if applicable) from any computer with Internet access.

Additional Information

• The PoW product is a component of the Institute's Board Policy Program is currently available to charter schools in Michigan. The Institute’s Board Policy Program includes personalized consultation during the drafting process with an Institute Board Policy Associate - all of whom have significant years of personal experience as school leaders.
• The Institute recommends that schools participating in the Board Policy Program also subscribe to the Board Policy Update Service to ensure the policies remain up-to-date with legislative changes impacting policy decisions. These bi-annual updates are distributed to schools and also include personalized consultation from the Board Policy Associates.
• Additionally, the Institute offers the Administrative Guidelines and Forms Program. These compliment the Board Policy Program and can provide the school leader with prescriptive guidance on how to implement the applicable board policy. As with the Board Policy Program, the Administrative Guidelines are accessible via the PoW.

Features and Benefits

Easy access
All PoW manuals are hosted on the Institute's website, with access via username and password. Many schools choose to place a direct link from their website to their policy URL and utilize a general user logon for public viewing thus making access seamless with the school's website.

Powerful search capabilities
All PoW manuals contain a powerful search engine. Search options include policy number, policy name, key word, or phrase.

Online policy maintenance
All additions and revisions to online policy manuals are processed and quickly posted online. The PoW program offers unlimited revisions/additions throughout the year. Policies are posted in read-only MS-Word format and can be printed.

Cost
There is currently no additional fee for access to the PoW. It is included with the subscription to the Institute's Board Policy Program. Schools are encouraged to subscribe to the Board Policy Update Program which includes personalized consultation with an Institute Board Policy Associate, processing the updates, and posting them on the PoW.

Policy Review/PoW
It is vital that the board policies posted to the web be current with state and federal laws and regulations, as well as current school operations. Documents posted on the PoW represent the most current information provided to the Institute by the individual schools. If the information posted is out-of-date, please contact the Institute immediately at (989) 774-2999.

Contact
If you are interested in additional information about the Institute's Board Policy Program(s) or the PoW product, call (989) 774-2999 or e-mail BoardPolicies@nationalcharterschools.org.