School Council

School Councils

School Councils statutes O.C.G.A. 20-2-85 states the following:

The General Assembly recognizes the need to improve communication and participation of parents and the community in the management and operation of local schools.  The General Assembly believes that parent and community support is critical to the success of students and schools. The intent of this article (bill) is to bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems, improve academic achievement, provide support for teachers and administrators, and bring parents into the school based decision making process.  The establishment of school councils is intended to help local school boards of education develop and nurture participation, bring parents and the community together with teachers and administrators to create a better understanding of and mutual respect for each other’s concerns, and share ideas for school improvement.  School councils shall be reflective of the school community.

The management and control of public schools shall be the responsibility of local boards of education, and the school leader shall be the principal.  Schools councils shall provide advice, recommendations, and assistance and represent the community of parents and businesses.  Each member of the council, as a community representative, shall be accorded the respect and attention deserving of such election.

O.C.G.A. 20-2-86 states the following:

…Members of the school council shall include:

1.      Two parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, excluding employees who are parents or guardians of such students;

2.      Two businesspersons, one of whom shall be selected by the local board of education and one of whom shall be selected by the other five non business members of the school council from the business partners or the school, or if there are no business partners, from the local business community;

3.      Two certified teachers, excluding any personnel employed in administrative positions, who are employed at least four of the six segments at the school; and

4.      The school principal.

An employee of the local school system may serve as a parent representative on the council of a school in which his or her child is enrolled if such employee works at a different school.  With the exception of the principal and the business representatives, members shall be elected by, and from among, the group they represent.  The chairperson of the council shall be the school principal.

Members of the council shall serve for a term of two years.  All meetings of the council shall be held at the school site.  The council shall meet once a month.  The council members shall not receive remuneration to serve on the council or its committees.

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

1.      Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues;

2.      Regularly participate in council meetings;

3.      Participate in information and training programs;

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

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

6.      Work to improve student achievement and performance.