BDFA
SCHOOL COUNCILS
The School Committee believes that the school is the key unit for educational improvement and change and that successful school improvement is best accomplished through a school-based decision-making process. By involving those directly affected by any action or decision of the school council in the process of determining that action or decision, it helps to strengthen the commitment to those decisions by those most affected by its implementation.
Under this policy, the Principal shall have primary responsibility for the management of the school. Decisions which are made at the school level must be aligned with the budget, policies, curriculum, and long-range and short-range goals adopted by the School Committee. In addition, decisions must comply with any state and federal laws and regulations and with any negotiated agreements of the school District.
As enacted by the state legislature in the Education Reform Act of 1993, a school council shall be established in each school to advise the Principal in specific areas of school operation. The Principal, except as specifically defined in the law, shall have the responsibility for defining the composition of and forming the group pursuant to a representative process approved by the Superintendent and School Committee.
The following guidelines define the role of the school council:
The School Council shall meet regularly with the Principal of the school and shall assist in:
1. Adoption of educational goals for the school that are consistent with state and local policies and standards.
2. Identification of the educational needs of the students attending the school.
3. Review of the school building budget.
4. Formulation of a school improvement plan that may be implemented only after review and approval by the Superintendent.
SOURCE: MASC
LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:38Q, 71:59C
Regulation: BDFA-R School Improvement Plan / Educational Goals
Exhibit: BDFA-E1 Format for School Improvement Plan
BDFA-E2 School Improvement Plan
First Reading: 12/21/04 Second Reading: 01/18/05 ADOPTED: 02/01/05 Revised & Readopted: 8/15/17