1. School Community Councils
Celebrating Rural Schools:
Looking Back & Looking Forward
Building Effective School Community Councils

2. What are SCCs?
School-level councils that involve parents and community members in working together on issues that affect student learning and well-being
An important and integral part of school division governance:
Established in legislation
In every school

3. What is their purpose? To work with families and community members to:
Develop shared responsibility in the school and community for the learning success and well-being of children and youth
Encourage families, community members and youth to be involved in school planning and improvement

4. Who is on the SCC?
5 - 9 elected parent/guardian and community members – majority must be parents/guardians
1 - 2 high school students
1 or more First Nation representatives – where students living on-reserve are attending the school
Principal
1 teacher
Other appointed members

5. Who is on the SCC? Other appointed members include: Human services
Other CBOs
Faith-based
Elders
Families of:
Students with intensive/needs
First Nations or Métis students
Students for whom English is an Additional Language
Students who have recently immigrated to Canada
Business and Industry
Geographic Representatives
Other – town council, RCMP, recreation director, dual-stream schools, priests and parish workers, regional college (career education)

6. Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs
Duties:
Develop a good understanding of the needs and goals for student learning in their school and community
Develop and carry out School-Level Plans which supports the
division strategic plan.

7. Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs
Duties (continued):
Communicate annually about its work and accomplishments
Account for funds it spends
Participate in training, orientation and development opportunities

8. Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs
Duties (continued):
The SCC may not discuss or be given access to personal confidential information regarding student families or staff.

9. Roles and Responsibilities of SCCs
Powers:
Advice and recommendations to the board of education
Advice to the school staff regarding school programs
Advice to other organizations

10. SCCs and School-Level Planning
School-Level Plan (SLP)
SCCs collaborate with the principal and school staff to develop the SLP
SLP planning will involve local stakeholders
SLP and accomplishments will be communicated on annual basis

11. The Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP)
The ESSP is a multi-year strategic plan ( ) for the education sector
The ESSP was developed collaboratively by the education sector
Provides a unified approach to education in order to meet the needs of students

12. Student First Engagement
Russ Mirasty and Patricia Prowse were appointed as Student First Advisors to gather feedback on how to improve the education system by putting the student first
Student First Engagement Discussion Guide is available on our website at:

13. Tell Them from Me
Sharing data to support a Student First approach using Tell Them From Me – The Student Voice
Student voice is a catalyst for change. Responding effectively to student voice is critical to increasing student engagement which contributes positively to student achievement and well-being.

14. Support
School divisions each have a senior administrative contact to be responsible for school community councils and to support them in:
Orientation
Training
Development
Networking opportunities

15. For Further Information:
Ministry of Education –
Saskatchewan School Boards Association