BDFA School Councils

SCHOOL COUNCILS

In accordance with the Education Reform Act (ERA) of 1993 and Mass General Laws c71 Sec 59c, each school shall establish a School Council that shall be charged with the following responsibilities:

1. Consulting with and advising the Principal to:

   1. 1. Establish educational goals for the school, consistent with the School Committee’s “Goals for the Wayland Public Schools’,

      2. Identify the educational needs of the students in light of these goals;

      3. Formulate a School Improvement Plan to advance such goals, to address such needs and to improve student performance;

      4. Review the annual budget for the school.
         

2. Serve in an advisory capacity to the Principal. Although the School Council is a collaborative arrangement, the principal has the responsibility to make the final professional decisions on matters concerning her school.

The principal will determine the composition of the Council, subject to requirements of state law, which define the types of members who should be included and generally outline the relative numbers. The process and timing for selecting individual members is defined in the procedures for this policy.

The selection/election of parents, staff, students and other community members should produce a council that is broadly representative of the racial and ethnic diversity, as well as the diversity of viewpoints and opinions, of the school building and the community. Every effort should be made by all participants to encourage a wide range of school community members to become involved with School Councils.

The Council shall make every effort to make its meetings accessible to the full community, and to encourage participation from non-members such that all are able to contribute their voice.

School Council meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Law, and are to be run subject to the published School Council Procedures (BDFA-E). Every meeting is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend meetings whether they are elected as voting members or not. Attending meetings is an instructive way to learn more about the workings of the School Council and may encourage people to later run for an elected position.

Approved by School Committee: September 22, 2021

Re-approved by School Committee: November 17, 2021