Handbooks & Policies

The Board of Education governs District 401 through the use of written policies. These policies can be found online at the following links: 

Written policies ensure legal compliance, establish Board processes, articulate objectives, delegate authority and define operating limits. Board policies also provide the basis for monitoring progress toward District 401 ends.

In addition, within the boundaries set by the Board of Education, each school has established rules, policies and procedures specific to its own requirements and circumstances. These can be found in the respective student handbook of each school.

Our Student Handbooks

*PLEASE NOTE: Both of District 401's elementary schools use the same handbook. So you will see title pages for both schools in this edition of the handbook. 

Sign-Off Requirement

As noted above, each District 401 school has a student handbook. After reviewing the applicable handbook as well as the District Policies for Student Handbooks, every student and parent/guardian must review, sign and submit a Parent/Student Sign-Off Sheet.

One sign-off sheet must be submitted for each student.

How the Board Develops Policy

Anyone may propose new policies, changes to existing policies or deletion of existing policies. Staff suggestions should be processed through the superintendent. Suggestions from all others should be made to the board president or the superintendent.

A Board Policy Committee will consider all policy suggestions and provide information and recommendations to the Board.

During the policy development process, the superintendent is responsible for:

  • Providing relevant policy information and data to the Board
  • Notifying those who will implement or be affected by or required to implement a proposed policy and obtaining their advice and suggestions
  • Having policy recommendations drafted into written form for Board deliberation

The superintendent shall seek the counsel of the board attorney when appropriate.

The Board's policy process is governed by Section 2:240 of the District Policy Manual.

Policy Manual Overview

The Board of Education policies, rules and guidelines that govern District 401 are available for immediate access in an online version of the District 401 Policy Manual. This version provides the Board's policies and related regulations in a fully searchable, easy-to-use format. 

As existing policies are revised or new policies approved, the changes will be added automatically to the online manual.

Directions for Using the Policy Manual

When you arrive at the online version of the Policy Manual, you will see the manual's table of contents on the left-hand side. The table of contents consists entirely of clickable links that will take you directly to the section you want. 

In addition, a search box located above the table of contents allows you to search for policies by specific words or policy number. 

Reference Guides to the Policy Manual

If you need additional help using the online version of the Policy Manual, the following links provide access to convenient explanatory guides: 

Each link includes overview information for the first-time user and numerous time-saving tips. 

In all likelihood you won't need either guide, but they're available for your convenience if you have any questions about how to use the online manual.  

For More Information

To learn more about District 401 policies and student handbooks, please visit the links below.