School Site Council Information
Educational Services | Programs and Resources
You can use this page to get more information on School Site Councils and their roles in Del Norte Schools.
The School Site Council (SSC) is intended to be a decision-making body that represents all stakeholders of the school community. The school principal, teachers, other school personnel, parents, and students (secondary level) make up this group. Their primary responsibility is to identify common goals and assist the leadership team in establishing a plan to achieve the goals. The key to a successful SSC depends upon a good working relationship among all members of the Council. Each member of the Council shares a unique perspective and knowledge of the school’s needs. They advocate for the needs of those groups they represent yet recognize their decisions affect all students.
The various state laws that created School Site Councils are very clear in stating that a council assumes various decision-making responsibilities that affect the operation of the school’s program. Therefore, it is important that time is spent developing the Council into a collaborative team that can work together to effectively address its overall purpose: improving academic achievement for all students.
The principal and teachers contribute background knowledge in instructional practices; parents provide insights into how effective the school is in providing for the needs of their children; and students offer insight on the range and effectiveness of learning opportunities available. Other personnel at the school, such as counselors, instructional aides, and clerical staff, can share insights on how the school can function to support student learning.
School Site Councils operate under and follow the policies of the School Board. The SSC may work with a school leadership team to develop, monitor, and revise the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). Development of the plan includes allocating resources to support the programs, services, and actions identified in the SPSA. There should be continual communication between the SSC, grade levels, and departments to ensure that each group supports the other. Communication could take place through school newsletters, websites, and parent meetings. Minutes of meetings must be posted in prominent places.
Every School Site Council member needs to remember that their Council membership represents a group within the school community. The various SSC members were selected/elected to represent the collective interests of all of their peers. Personal interests or biases can no longer be a School Site Council member’s focus.
By working cooperatively, all elements of the school population ensure that each school site plan focuses resources upon improvement strategies, which guarantee that all students meet high standards.
You can click the button below to access the appropriate forms and find further information on our School Site Councils.