School Council

• Solve difficult education problems
• Improve academic achievement
• Provide support for teachers and administrators, and
• Bring parents into the school-based decision-making process.

School councils provide advice, recommendations, and assistance to principals and local boards of education.  The law details the composition of the council, its responsibilities, and procedures for conducting business.

School Council Members

A minimum of seven council members comprise school councils:

• The principal
• At least two certified teachers elected by the teachers
• At least two parents (or guardians) elected by the parents
• Two business community representatives
• Other members as specified in the council's bylaws

School Council Member Roles and Responsibilities

All members of the school council must:

• Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues
• Regularly participate in council meetings
• Participate in information and training programs
• Act as a link between the school council and the community
• Encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community 
• Work to improve student achievement and performance

School councils are advisory bodies. They may provide advice and recommendations to the school principal and local board of education on any matter, including:

• School board policies
• School improvement plans
• Curriculum and assessment
• Report cards
• School audits conducted by the Office of Education Accountability
• Development of a school profile to the community
• School budget priorities, including school capital improvement plans
• School-community communication strategies
• Methods of involving parents and the community
• Extracurricular activities
• School-based and community services
• Community use of the school facility
• Student discipline and attendance
• Reports regarding progress toward meeting the school's student achievement goals

Councils must meet at least four times annually.