Countryside Elementary SchoolSite Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Agenda:

Review by-lawsOfficersCall to publicAdjourn Meeting

The Law

• Arizona Revised Statute Title 15-351“The purpose of this section is to ensure that individuals who are affected by the outcome of a decision at the school site have an opportunity to provide input into the decision making process.”

The Law

• The membership of the site council shall reflect the composition of the community and shall include:– Parents (not employed with the district)– Teachers– Noncertified employees– Community members

The Law

• A.R.S. 15-351- The principal shall serve as the chairperson of the

site council unless another person is elected by a majority of the school council membership.

• A.R.S. 15-102- A plan for parent participation that will improve

cooperation in the areas of homework, attendance and discipline.

More Law

• A.R.S. 38-431.01– Meeting minutes• Date, time and place• Attendance• General agenda• Specific description of legal action proposed, discussed

and taken• Be available for public inspection

More Law

• Meetings should only be held with at least 24 hours notice to the council members.

• If regularly scheduled, notice can be posted at the beginning of the specified period.

• Meeting notice must describe how to obtain a copy of the agenda for the meeting.

More Law

• Agendas– Must be available to the public at least 24 hours prior

to the meeting– Must list specific matters to be discussed– Only matters listed on the agenda can be discussed or

open for action– Summary of current events without the specifics of

the summary being listed. “Summary,” however, does need to be listed on the agenda.

– No discussion or action can be taken on “summary” items.

Dysart Policy• Membership– Three parents of enrolled students– Three teachers– One noncertified employee– Two community members– Principal• Once formed the council can adopt written

procedures to specify the number of members and the method for selection.

• Principal will serve as chairperson unless another chair is elected by the majority of the members.

Dysart Policy

• Purpose is to, “involve all constituencies in fulfilling the mission and beliefs of the District.”

• Make decisions based on what is best for students and what is fiscally responsible.– Avoid

– Finger pointing– Motive guessing– “Parking lot” problem solving– Personal agendas

Dysart Policy

• Council Responsibilities– To be an advisory to the school– To be representative of the school community– To review data and research– To make recommendations for school

improvement– To provide input into school decisions

Dysart Policy

• Common characteristics of effective schools– Safe and orderly environment– Climate of high expectations for success– Instructional Leadership– Clear and Focused Mission– Maximize student “time on task”– Monitor student progress– Strong home/school relationships

TO DO LIST

• Establish the council members– Membership chart

• Approve By-Laws• Establish agenda configuration• Establish minutes

Agenda Configuration

• Suggestions at the conclusion of each site council meeting

• Suggestions through “call to public”• Suggestions made to site council chair person• Standing agenda “summary” items– Principal’s Report (CIP, Budget, Safety)

Video

Questions?