The role of a Board of Education is to set policy and the role of the administration is to execute it. Policy is a foundational governing document. The basic definitions of policies and procedures, as defined by the Missouri School Boards' Association, are as follows:

Policies are values or principles adopted by the board that establish the framework for what is to be done. Policies provide guidance for the district and are based on the district's vision and mission. Policies include topics subject to direct board governance as well as those concerning the board's own operation. Some policies are included in the manual because of laws or regulations that require them. Others are included at the discretion of the board in order to provide for consistent operation of the district and to meet the educational needs of students.

Procedures put policy into practice. They tell how, by whom, where and when things are to be done. Procedures often reflect legal and regulatory requirements that do not require board approval.

• MSBA Online Policy Manual