1. Roles and Responsibilities of School Councils A 3 hour training for experienced SBDM Council Members

2. Student Achievement KRS 160.345(2)(c)1: The school council shall have the responsibility to set school policy consistent with district board policy which shall provide an environment to enhance the students’ achievement and help the school meet the goals established by KRS 158.645 and 158.6451. The principal shall be the primary administrator and the instructional leader of the school, and with the assistance of the total school staff shall administer the policies established by the school council and the local board.

3. Legal Responsibilities All council members have specific responsibilities that they must carry out in order for procedures and processes in the school to run smoothly. What are some of those responsibilities?

5. What Do Councils Not Do? Run school on a day-to-day basis Break state or federal laws Risk health and safety Risk lawsuits Make decisions outside their areas of responsibility Break contracts Spend money a school doesn’t have Create a successful school without strong support from the whole school community

6. Individual Council Roles Chairperson: KRS 160.345(2)(b)1: The principal shall be the chair of the school council. Chairperson’s role is of facilitator, gatekeeper, and organizer. Strives for efficiency and productivity from council members. Focuses on the objectives and the collective energy of the group moving towards solutions Responsibilities of chairperson are left to each school council to decide.

7. Individual Council Roles Teacher Representatives: Teacher representatives make up the majority of the school council. They should increase understanding of school management to ensure they are meeting educational needs of students Be familiar with the statutes that govern school-based decision making Serve on a variety of school council committees Maintain a good and working relationship with staff, families, and administrators Understand the link between school councils and successful school manaagement

8. Individual Council Roles Parent Representatives: SBDM is an opportunity for families to work in harmony with teachers and school administrators toward establishing goals for student success. Be aware of all assessments administered to students and the school’s results Understand how the school functions Be willing to make the time commitment necessary to be an effective member of a school council Promote communication and exchange of information

9. Committees Committees are not required but are best practice and will encourage shared decision making among all school stakeholders. Two types of committees: Standing committee- continue their work throughout the year and should be specifically included in the committee policy. Ad-hoc committee-formed for a specific purpose and then are disbanded Does your council have committees? What do you think they are doing effectively?

10. Meetings Requirements One of the responsibilities of school councils is holding regular meetings. Kentucky’s Open Meeting laws protect the rights of the general public to know the actions and decision of its public agencies. All meetings where a quorum of the membership is present, where public business is being discussed or at which time actions or decisions are made are open meetings to the public.

11. Meetings Requirements All school councils must adhere to all open meeting requirements which state: Each agency sets its own regular meeting schedule The schedule must list the dates, times, and places of the regular meetings. The schedule must be available to the public.

12. Closed Meetings What are closed meetings and what procedures must be followed?

13. Special Meetings Special meetings are occasionally necessary to be called. The chairperson or majority of the school council can call a special meetings that is not on the schedule. What must the written notice include and how far in advance must it be sent?

14. Minutes and Agendas Keeping minutes is another responsibility of the school council. They must contain an accurate record of any actions taken during the meeting. What must be included in the minutes? What are good things to include? What should be avoided?

15. Minutes and Agendas KRS 160.345(2)(e) requires that each council and committee determine the frequency and agenda for its meetings. With your table, discuss what a sample agenda might look like.