This board is comprised of the highest-level decision makers in the state. They are representative of executive level positions and assist by setting policy and goals as well as effecting the implementation of the State Action for Education Leadership Project (SAELP) work-plan. By position, they influence sets of stakeholders/ constituents who are essential as partners in the design/redesign/implementation process part of SAELP work-plan. This group remains committed to the focus on leadership and is convened on an ad hoc basis.

A list of original policy board members (2003) follows:

Colleen Callahan - (Michael Trofi) – Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP)

Arthur Campbell – Rhode Island School Superintendents' Association (RISSA)

James DiPrete - National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)

Janet Durfee Hidalgo - Office of the Governor (NGA)

Tim Duffy – Rhode Island Association of School Committees (RIASC)

Valerie Forti – The Education Partnership

Joanne Giannini – Rhode Island Legislature

John Golden – Rhode Island Association of School Principals (RIASP)

Daniel Issa - Rhode Island Legislature

Melody Johnson - Superintendent, Providence Schools (LEAD)

Peter McWalters - Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

Gary Sasse - Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC) and Education Commission of the States

Jack Warner - (Nancy Carriuolo) - Commissioner of Higher Education