Purpose and Information

Purpose

Recognizing the need to improve communication and participation of parents and the community in the management and operation of local schools, the General Assembly of Georgia and the Henry County Board of Education believe parent and community support is critical to the success of students and schools. The intent of these bylaws and guidelines is to bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult educational problems, improve academic achievement, provide support for teachers and administrators, and bring parents into the school-based decision-making process.

The management and control of public schools shall be the responsibility of local boards of education.  The establishment of school councils is intended to help the Henry County Board of Education develop and nurture participation, bring parents and the community together with teachers and school administrators to create a better understanding of and mutual respect for each other's concerns and share ideas for school improvement.

School Council Membership

Members of the council shall serve for a term of two years with the exception of when terms are adjusted to create staggered membership. 

(1)       Four parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, excluding employees who are parents or guardians of such students, so that such parents or guardians make up a majority of the council and at least two of whom shall be businesspersons. Parent council members shall be elected by, and from among, the group they represent.

(2)       Two certificated teachers*, excluding any personnel employed in administrative positions, who are employed at least four of the six school segments at the school; and

(3)       The school principal is automatically appointed to the council.  No election

is required.  The school principal holds office by virtue of his/her position as principal.

The Chairperson

The chairperson must be a parent or guardian member of the Council and shall have the following duties pertaining to school council activities: 

(1) Perform all of the duties required by law and the bylaws of the council;

(2) Speak for and represent the council in all school council matters before the local board of education;

(3) Develop the agenda for each meeting of the council after taking into consideration the suggestions of council members and the urgency of school matters. An item may be added to the agenda at the request of three or more council members.

Accountability

The members of the council are accountable to the constituents they serve and shall:

(1) Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues; and

(2) Regularly participate in council meetings; and

(3) Participate in information and training programs; and

(4) Act as a link between the school council and the community; and

(5) Encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community; and

(6) Work to improve student achievement and performance.

Scope of Council Responsibilities

(A) School councils are advisory bodies.

(B) Councils shall provide advice and recommendations to the school principal and, where appropriate, the local board of education on any matter related to student achievement and school improvement, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)   School board policies;

(2)   School improvement plans;

(3)   Curriculum and assessment

(4)    Report cards issued or audits of the school conducted by the Office of Student Achievement;                                                                                                               

(5)   Development of a school profile which shall contain data as identified by the council to describe the academic performance, academic progress, services, awards, interventions, environment, and other such data as the council deems appropriate;                                              

(6)   In the case of a vacancy* in the position of school principal**, the recommendation of a school principal candidates from a list*** of qualified applicants submitted by the local board of education and local school superintendent to the council;

(7)   School budget priorities, including school capital improvement plans;

(8)   School-community communication strategies; 

(9) Methods of involving parents and the community;

(10)  Extracurricular activities in school;

(11)  School-based and community services;

(12)  Community use of school facilities;  

(13)  Student discipline and attendance;

(14)  Receiving and reviewing reports from the school principal regarding progress toward the school's student achievement goals, including progress within specific grade levels and subject areas and by school personnel; and

(15) The method and specifications for the delivery of early intervention services or other appropriate services for underachieving students.

Parliamentary Authority

Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the governing parliamentary authority for school councils in all cases applicable but not inconsistent with these bylaws.