1. POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS
BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE SCHOOL COUNCIL

2. Parent Involvement Matters
Numerous studies show parent involvement has many positive benefits for children, parents, and educators
Parental involvement takes on many forms
National Parent Involvement Day November 19th
School Council
Parent Involvement Matters

3. What is a School Council
School Councils are committees which play a vital role in education in Ontario
Established by the Ministry of Education, Education Act and ON Regulation 612/00
Provide forum for parents/guardians to contribute to improving student achievement and school performance
Councils can consult with Principals and School Boards on any matter
Principals and Boards must consult with Councils on a variety of matters concerning student learning
What is a School Council

4. Definition
The purpose of school councils is, through the active participation of parents, to improve pupil achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents

6. Creating an Effective School Council1
Focus on student learning and the best interest of ALL students 2
Set school priorities for improving student achievement 3
Know the role of School Council and its mandate 4
Have a clear and consistent process for making decisions 5
Communicate with members of School Council

7. Setting Priorities
Have a general idea of what topics will discussed at School Council for the entire school year before the first meeting
September- Elections, EQAO results, Goals for the year
October/November- School Improvement Plan and how Council can help
January/February- Policies under review with DSBN, Draft School Year Calendar
March/April- Recruitment strategies for new year, by- law reviews and updates
May/June- Assessment of School Council, finance wrap up, Annual Report

8. Council Members Majority must be parents/guardians
Principal or vice principal (upon delegation)
Teacher at the school
Student (optional for elementary schools)
Community member
Non-teaching staff at school

9. Roles of Council Members- Chair
Arrange meetings
Prepare agenda in conjunction with principal
Chair meetings
Ensure accurate minutes are taken at each meeting
Sit as ex-officio of all committees established by Council
Facilitate conflict resolution
Communicate with principal regarding Council concerns
Additional duties established by DSBN, i.e. potential ARC Committee Member
Roles of Council Members- Chair

10. Roles of Council Members- Parent/Guardian Members
Solicit views and opinions of other parents/guardians
Choose to participate on subcommittees established by Council
Contribute to discussions at Council meetings
Observe council’s bylaws and/or code of ethics

11. Roles of Council Members- Principal
Informs council and school community of material from the Ministry of Education
Resource to council for laws, by-laws, regulations, and DSBN policies
Attends council meetings (or designate)
Considers councils recommendations and informs council as to action taken
Solicits views regarding school improvements in areas of student achievement
Solicits views on accountability of education system
Non-voting member

12. Roles of Council Members- Student
Contributes to Council discussions
Solicits views of other students to share with Council
Communicates Council information to other students
May sit on committees
Optional in elementary, mandatory in secondary

13. Roles of Council Members- Additional positions
School Council by-laws can establish additional positions for its committee
Treasurer, secretary, vice-chair, etc

14. Areas Requiring Consultation with School Council by Principal
All initiatives related to improvement of student achievement
Initiatives to enhance accountability of then system to parents
School Code of Conduct and Dress Code
Action plans based on EQAO results
Initiatives related to enhancing the accountability of the system to parents

15. Areas Requiring Consultation with School Councils by Board
Board action plan regarding EQAO results
Development of communication plans regarding action plans for improvements
Board Policy on Code of Conduct for Students
Dress policies
Accommodation Review Committees (school specific)

16. Additional areas of potential consultation by principal
Special school events
Field trip policies
Safe-arrival policy and implementation
Use of volunteers in the school
Capital improvements for school
Homework policies
School/classroom organization
School budget priorities

17. Additional areas of potential consultation by board
School Year Calendar
Approved activities to complete community involvement requirements
Twinning of schools
Naming of schools
Capital improvement for schools
Policies for field trips

18. Creation of Subcommittees
Engages additional parents
Helps Council to stay focused on mandate
Examples include: fundraising, graduation, parent engagement, fun fair, etc

19. Parent Involvement Matters
Questions?