1. Effective School Community Council Meetings

2. Meeting Checklist Meeting Date Time Participants Sign in sheet Facilities Seating Arrangement Refreshments Equipment

3. Chairing a Meeting The Chairperson calls the meeting to order Formality of the meeting Recognize members before they speak Full and free debate Each person should be allowed to speak

4. Continued... The Chairperson’s responsibilities One subject at a time Motions to table items Equal rights

5. Running Meetings Publicizing the meeting well in advance Arranging the room Establishing the agenda Choosing a consistent meeting style Recording the minutes

6. Meeting Minutes Formal minutes Semiformal minutes Informal minutes Laptop computer Copies of minutes

7. Agenda Sample Record of the previous meeting Principal’s Report Updates on the Learning Improvement Plan and/or other Council action plans Committee Reports Expenses of Council Decision Items Discussion Items Received Items Items for future Consideration Date, time and agenda items for next meeting

8. Strategies for Stimulating Discussion Pairing Absolute Quiet Brainstorming Round Table Brain Writing Pro/con Analysis Value Voting

9. Decision-Making Methods Majority vote Making a motion Amending a motion Withdrawing a motion Motion to consider at a later date Consensus building

10. Meeting Evaluation Was the agenda clear? Were members encouraged to contribute? Did the atmosphere allow for free discussion? Are you clear on what, if any, decision(s) was reached? Are you clear on the next steps being taken? Who is responsible for the next steps? Do you think the purpose of this meeting was fulfilled? Do you have suggestions for improving future meetings?