What is a School Council?

A School Council is a legally constituted body of elected and appointed representatives of the local school constituency. It is established for the purpose of enhancing the quality of school programs and improving the levels of student achievement in the school. The School Council meets on a regular basis to receive and disseminate information, and to review policy on school issues.

Who makes up the School Council?

The School Council is composed of the principal and representation from parents, teachers, high school students (where applicable), and the community. Representatives are elected or appointed in accordance with The Schools Act, 1997, Section 25.

Why establish a School Council?

The Schools Act, 1997 requires that each school principal establish a council for the school. Justification for collaboration among parents, teachers, community and school comes from a number of different directions. First, there is growing acknowledgment that parental participation has a positive effect on arguments supporting the rights of parents to advocate on their children's behalf. Third, as competition for their scarce resources increases, schools will have to depend more and more on the public support of parents and the community. Finally, many education jurisdictions are moving to collaborative models, such as school councils, where all groups affected by educational decisions participate appropriately in making them. This change is a recognition that together educators, parents, students and the community can bring improvement to education and an increase in public advocacy.

What is the purpose and function of School Councils?

The purpose of the School Council is to develop, encourage and promote policies, practices and activities which will enhance the quality of school programs and the levels of students achievements in the school.

The Functions of the School Councils are:

• to represent the educational interests of the school

• to advise on the quality of teaching and learning in the school

• to facilitate parent and community involvement; and to advise the School Board on matters of concern to the school and the community.

In Undertaking these Functions the Council shall:

• approve for recommendation to the Board, a plan for improving teaching and learning in the school

• consider information respecting performance standards in the school

• assist in the system of monitoring and evaluating standards in the school

• monitor the implementation of recommendations in reports on the performance of the school

• conduct meetings with parents and members of the community on matters within its responsibility

• ensure that the report on the school prepared under paragraph 24 (3) (k) of the Schools Act, 1996 is available to the public

• communicate concerns respecting board policies and practices to the board

• approve and monitor activities for the raising of funds for the school.

(Government of Newfoundland And Labrador Department of Education-A Handbook For School Councils)