During the next 10 minutes you will…  Learn a brief history of school council  Be introduced to rules and regulations surrounding school councils  Be introduced to protocols and procedures regarding school councils The Simcoe Path Board Improvement Plan For Student Achievement and Well Being (BIPSA-WB) A brief history…. ∗ School councils play a vital role in the education system in Ontario. ∗ They provide a forum through which parents and other members of school communities can contribute to improving student achievement and school performance. ∗ The Ministry of Education released Ontario Regulation 612/00,which confirms the advisory role of school councils and clearly states that their purpose is to improve student achievement and enhance the accountability of the education system to parents. ∗ This regulation also clarifies the role of school councils and establishes their right to express their views on any issues that are important to them. Improvement Commission (EIC) describes the results of research on parental involvement this way: ∗ Parental involvement is one of the most significant factors contributing to a child’s success in school. ∗ When parents are involved in their children’s education, the level of student achievement increases. ∗ Students attend school more regularly, they complete more homework in a consistent manner, and demonstrate more positive attitudes towards school. ∗ They are also more likely to complete high school. Why be on council? ∗ Membership on a school council also benefits the individuals involved. ∗ The personal advantages of becoming a school council member include: ∗ being an important partner in the education system, whose views are valued; ∗ contributing to the shared goal of improving student achievement; ∗ having a vehicle through which to express opinions; ∗ being able to keep informed about what is happening at the school and the board, and at the provincial level of education. Characteristics of Effective School Councils ∗ Effective school councils are those that: ∗ focus on student learning and the best interests of all students; ∗ are actively involved in setting school priorities for improving student achievement; ∗ promote meaningful parental and community involvement and actively seek the views of their school communities; ∗ have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities; ∗ include members who represent the diverse views of their school communities; Characteristics of Effective School Councils (Continued) ∗ keep well informed about school and board policies and procedures; ∗ have clear and consistent processes for decision making; ∗ communicate with the community about their activities; ∗ maintain high ethical standards; ∗ have members who have developed mutual trust and respect for one another. Roles and Responsibilities of School Council Members ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ The Chair/Co-Chairs Are elected by the council members Must be a parent or parents who are not employed by the school board. Communicate with the principal Are voting members who perform the same duties as other council members, Work with the principal to prepare school council meeting agendas; Chair school council meetings; Ensure that minutes of school council meetings and records of all financial transactions are recorded and maintained; Participate in information and training programs; Ensure that there is regular communication with the school community; Consult with senior board staff and trustees, when requested; Participate in establishing by-laws; Act in accordance with the school and board Code of Conduct and Standards of Behaviour; Abide by board policies and procedures. ∗ Parent Representatives ∗ Parent Representatives are voting members who: ∗ Participate in school council meetings; ∗ Participate in information and training programs; ∗ Act as a link between the school council and school community; ∗ Participate in establishing by-laws; ∗ Act in accordance with the school and board Code of Conduct and Standards of behaviour; ∗ Abide by Board Policies and Procedures. ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ The community representative(s) is a voting member who: contributes to the discussions of the school council; represents the community’s perspective; may participate on any committees established by the school council; helps build partnerships and links between the school and the community; observes the council’s bylaws; Acts in accordance with the school and board Code of Conduct and Standards of Behaviour; ∗ Abides by Board Policies and Procedures.