Duties of the Local School Council

When it comes to schools, school councils serve as important decision-makers.

Local school councils mark their presence in most school districts across the country. These councils comprise members that are elected through voting for a term of two years. Community residents, parents, teachers and the principal of the school generally serve as the members. The councils hold regular meetings to discuss pertinent issues related to the school they manage. The duties of the councils are multi-faceted and include various arenas of the school's administration and management.

Selecting the Principal

As entrusted by the law, the local school xouncil selects the principal of the school. The council holds the principal under vivid scrutiny, evaluates his eligibility annually and decides if the principal meets the set standards of the school. Moreover, when the four-year contract of the principal ends, the council decides whether the contract is to be renewed or not. If it passes its judgment against the principal, it must find a suitable individual for the post. The council is responsible for presenting the reasons of its decision after the four-year period, in case the principal asks for them.

School Maintenance and Budget Allocation

A local school council also manages the maintenance of the school and it makes certain that resources are utilized properly. The council should determine the budget of the school and see to it that the funds are allocated on the right projects. All the proposed amendments in the budget are to be forwarded to the local school council, which analyzes and evaluates all of its aspects. The council can also present the principal with proposals of the opening or closing of any posts that it considers in the interest of the budget, and therefore the school.

Improving the School

Another duty of the local school council is to work for the improvement of the school through the School Improvement Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement (SIPAAA). The council has to decide whether a proposed plan is in the interest of the school or not. If the school votes in favor of the proposal, only then should the plan be set to motion. The council must keep a vigilant eye on the progress of the plan and should also provide a report to the community at least two times a year. The council can also make suggestions to the principal regarding the staff, development and policies of the school.

Other Duties

Besides these duties, the local school council must also abide by all the prevalent rules, laws and regulations mandated by the state and the school being managed. It is the council's duty to involve the school in community tasks and reach out to the masses. In addition, the local school council should schedule all its activities, and its vacancies should be filled in a systematic way.

References

• Pure Parents: Local School Council Powers and Duties under the Law
• Chicago Public Schools: Local School Council & Community Relations
• E. Rivers Elementary: School Council