WAKEFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Policy of the School Committee

Policy: 211

SCHOOL COUNCILS 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 and conducting its business pursuant to a representative process approved by the superintendent and school committee and in accordance with Massachusetts General Law (MGL). The School Council shall meet regularly as outlined in Massachusetts General Law with the principal of the school and shall assist in: 1. Adoption of educational goals for the school that is 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 of the approval of the Superintendent and the School Committee. 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 and conducting its business pursuant to a representative process approved by the superintendent and school committee and in accordance with Massachusetts General Law (MGL). Consensus shall be used by school councils as the primary method to resolve issues and to formulate recommendations. Votes by majority may be taken at the discretion of the principal and Roberts Rules of Order shall prevail if there are questions of procedure. All meetings of the school council shall conform to the MGL Open Meeting Law. The scope of the school council does not require, and therefore does not qualify for, executive session. The superintendent shall receive agendas and minutes of all school council meetings. The superintendent shall provide copies of these materials to School Committee members. Copies may also 1

be requested through the Wakefield Public School’s Central Office or by contacting the building principal. With the exception of the principal, who shall serve as co-chair in accordance with MGL, school council terms shall not exceed two consecutive years. Terms shall be structured in a way that ensures an equal proportion of new representation each academic year. Elections are to be held at the beginning of each academic year but no later than September 30.

Adopted: April 1998; Revised January 2003, August 200, August 2009, January 2014 Legal Ref: MGL; Ed Reform Act of 1993

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