A policy is a general statement of intent to act in a particular manner when confronted with a given situation or to achieve a given result in the future. Because policies ensure consistency and fairness, policy making is the most important function assigned to a governing board. Policies are not only the vehicle by which a board expresses and maintains control, but also serve to inform the public about how the board is likely to dispose of issues related to personnel, instruction, student services, general administration, board-administrator relations, and other important issues. The development of well-defined policies requires discipline, considerable debate and discussion, and much time. Steps in policy development include the following: (1) identification of a need; (2) board instruction to the administration to research the area and report back; (3) preparation of a sample policy; (4) solicitation of input from faculty, students, and parents; (5) conduct of a public hearing for complex issues; (6) conduct of a special board meeting to consider the policy; (7) revision; and (8) adoption. After a policy is developed it should be disseminated to the public, implemented and enforced on campus, and continually evaluated, and if, necessary revised. If policies are to be a means by which the board can more effectively discharge its responsibilities, rather than a device that unduly restricts board deliberations, they must be flexible. (EJV)