How are policy decisions made?

There are two main ways that policies affecting public schools and public school employees are made.

• The first is through the legislative process of developing and voting on bills that can then be approved or vetoed by the governor. If the bill is approved, it becomes law.
• The second way is through the State Board of Education. The New Jersey Department of Education proposes new code or revises existing regulations that the State Board of Education must approve for the change to go into effect.

Policies can also be created or changed by an executive order issued by the governor, a court decision or a federal law or regulation.