School Community Councils are forums for exchanging ideas about how to improve student achievement among the school’s stakeholders: principals, teachers, school staff, parents, students, and community members. They help craft the school's Academic Plan and Financial Plan, which establish the goals and programs for the school, and the available resources.

School Community Councils (SCC) play a vital role in Hawaii’s education system. They are part of the leadership structure at each school and enable shared-decision making among principals, teachers, school staff, parents, students and community members to improve student achievement.

School Community Councils are:

• A group of people who are elected by their peers to advise the principal on matters that affect student achievement and school improvement. Their primary role is to participate in the process that ensures that the needs of all students are addressed in the school’s Academic Plan.

• Forums for open discussion and problem-solving related to student achievement. Research suggests that the collaborative process contributes to improved school culture, classroom practices and student learning, and the development of a strong professional community of educators.

• A means to involve the community in the discussion of educational issues and help schools identify and respond to the educational needs of the community.