Local Site Council Guidelines

Purpose

The purpose of the school Site Council is to advise the school on such matters as student learning, education programs, school improvement planning, and accreditation issues.  The site council also plays an advocacy role for the school regarding the same issues.  Specifically, the purpose is to:

• Provide advice and counsel to the school in developing, implementing, and evaluating school performance goals and objectives, and
• Provide ongoing support for the students and staff of the school.

Membership

• The site council consists of at least six to twelve members and includes the principal, teachers, other school personnel, parents of students attending the school, the business community and other community groups.
• Membership on the site council is representative of the demography the school serves
• Community membership exceeds school staff membership with special attention given toward underrepresented groups. 
• Local school board policies clearly delineate site council member selection, rotation, terms of service, eligibility for service and selection of leadership.

Meetings

• Councils meet at regularly scheduled times agreed upon by site council members.
• Councils meet at least six times annually but optimally once a month during the school year.
• Council agendas include discussion of student learning, educational programs, school improvement planning, and accreditation issues.

Responsibilities of Site Council Members

•  The chair, in consultation with the building principal or his or her designee(s), establishes agendas, conducts meetings, and communicates site council advisement.
• Site council members participate in sanctioned school improvement meetings and visits in an advisory capacity.
• Site council members periodically communicate with the school community and, at least annually with the local board, on site council activities and other council matters. 
• Site council members take part in ongoing training to build their knowledge and skills related to site council work.