Every Voice Counts
So you want to become a school council member
School councils play an important role in ensuring the success of all students and communicating student success to parents and community members.
Serving on your school council can give you the opportunity to provide meaningful input on school decisions and become a voice for parents and community members in your school community.
What are the responsibilities of a school council member?
- focus on improved learning for all students
- maintain a school-wide perspective on issues
- represent and communicate the views of the school community
- provide advice to the school principal
- attend and contribute regularly at all school council meetings
- act as a link between the school council and the community
- participate in information and training
- fulfill their duties
How are school council decisions made?
School councils will try to make decisions by consensus. Consensus is reached when all or most members support and accept an idea or concept as the best choice. However, sometimes this isn't possible, and a vote is necessary. All council members can vote, and a majority vote of members present at the meeting is required. A tie vote is a loss.
Any member of the council can make a motion at any meeting. Each member of the council has one vote on each motion and members are free to abstain from voting. A motion is approved if a majority of the members vote in favour of it.
How long are council terms?
The term of office for elected and appointed positions on the council is normally two years. However, school councils can decide to have some one year terms. Ideally, the term of office for parents would be staggered with half the members elected each year. Elected and appointed members can seek additional terms.
What are the positions on a school council?
Each year, the school council elects a chair from among the parent members on the council. The chair is responsible for chairing meetings, establishing a schedule, liaising with the principal and speaking on behalf of the council. The council can also choose to elect a co-chair, vice-chair, secretary or treasurer.
How are disputes resolved?
If at any time, four members of the council feel that it isn't productive, they can sign a written petition and give it to all council members. After that, the chair will call a special meeting of the council to try and resolve the issue. If the issue is not resolved, the chair can ask the superintendent of schools to help.
