These are typical questions Utah students ask teachers and administrators every day. How are the necessary and some seemingly insane school rules and polices thought up and passed?
Most of the ideas for district and school policies come from administrators, the Legislature, superintendents, teachers, the school board, parents and/or students. The policy ideas are then written up and distributed throughout the district where the proposed changes would be made. The school board later holds a public meeting to read the new ideas.One month later, there is a second reading and a subsequent passing of the policy in a public board meeting.
During this time, the school board may receive recommendations on how to improve the proposed policy.
Individual schools have a authority to enforce rules that are important to the school's operation, as long as the rules do not conflict with federal or state laws. School and district policies can be found in school-issued handbooks as well as district Web sites.
Kris Guest is a student at Viewmont High School.