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A school and community partnership that creates excited learners, inspires excellence, and fosters integrity

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School Council

Information Meeting�

Virtual Meeting

October 13, 2021

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Agenda

  • Congratulations! You will be sworn in remotely by the Needham Town Clerk, Ms. Tedi Eaton, as a public official
  • What is a School Council?
  • School Improvement Plans and District Priorities

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School Council Orientation

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What is a School Council?

  • Representative, school-based committee
  • Composed of principal, teachers, parents, community members, and often students
  • Focused on improving student outcomes through involvement in supporting and shaping schools’ improvement priorities
  • Intended to unite the school community

School Council Orientation

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School Council Role

  • Increase commitment and support to the school
  • Ideally, parents and teachers elected by constituency group; community reps may be recruited by principal; students elected or selected by principal
  • Co-chairs: Principal and member selected by Council
  • Monitor School Improvement Plan aligned to school and district priorities which are approved by Superintendent annually

School Council Orientation

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School Improvement Plan

  • Drafted by principal with input from School Council; shared with school community

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  • Approved by superintendent; shared with School Committee
  • Focuses on student learning & growth; assessment and other data; staff professional development; budget and resource needs
  • Ensures that a foundation of equity and inclusion exists; is developed to support, enrich, and complement the district’s strategic plan

School Council Orientation

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Things to keep in mind

  • Balance personal interests with role of representing entire community
  • Honor the established working norms of our respective groups and the district
  • Maintain professionalism and good judgment as the meetings are open to the public
  • Work towards both school and district improvements using our identified priorities as a guide

School Council Orientation

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Responsibilities as a Public Official

Open Meeting Law

  • All meetings held in public
  • Meeting posted at least 48 hours ahead; Keep minutes
  • Adhere to a quorum (majority)

Conflict of Interest

  • School Council members considered “municipal employees” in their role; Complete online training at www.muniprog.eth.state.ma.us

School Council Orientation

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School Council Orientation

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Portrait Plan ‘21-’22