The primary goal of American public education is to prepare its young citizens for the full exercise of citizenship rights and responsibilities. If students are to develop the attitudes and behavior identified with effective citizenship, the school itself by precept and example should create a democratic atmosphere, gradually expanding the opportunities for student participation in school decision-making as students demonstrate their capacity for accepting greater responsibility. It shall be the policy of the board of education to foster and encourage the development of procedures through which students may be effectively involved in establishing goals and objectives for their lives, insofar as these goals may properly be developed in the school setting.
All student handbooks are to be approved by the board and adopted, by reference, as a part of these policies and rules.
Approved: NOVEMBER 18, 1996