Policymaking is a primary responsibility of the board of trustees. Developing and maintaining effective policies that comprise both local specifications and ever-changing state and federal laws and regulations is a difficult, time-consuming task. Policy provides the courses of action necessary for effective governance and leadership, consistent accountability and structures to improve outcomes for students.

The support provided by Bent Creek Services (BCS) caters to the governance structure and legal mandates of charter and cyber charter schools, including applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, the Pennsylvania Charter School Law and the Nonprofit Corporation Law. BCS specializes in tracking legislation that could affect policy, developing draft policy guides that reflect relevant requirements, and providing efficient access to the Charter Policy News Network (CPNN) newsletter and BCS policy guide updates through a web-based policy system including:

• A customizable policy approval process and flexible organization system
• Quick links to open legal citations in policy
• Robust search capabilities

Charter and cyber charter schools have the following two (2) options for initiating the BCS Policy Service:

1. A comprehensive Essential Policy Guides Manual, including a year of the Charter School Policy Maintenance Program with access to the CPNN.
2. Charter School Policy Maintenance Program including access to the CPNN only.