Guidelines for School Planning Councils

FAQs

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How does the work of school planning councils relate to school boards?

School planning councils develop school plans to improve student achievement. These plans inform the District Accountability Contract.

Under what circumstances can a teacher or parent be appointed to a school planning council?

The legislation states that the school board may select another person to a school planning council if:

  • there is no Parents Advisory Council for the school,
  • the Parents Advisory Council does not succeed in electing three parent representatives to the school planning council or
  • the teachers of a school do not elect a teacher representative to the school planning council.

The school board may address this issue in its district policy on school planning councils.

When school planning councils were announced, parent positions were only for a one-year term. Is this still the case?

Yes, Bill 34 stipulates that the term of office of a person elected to the school planning council must not be more than one year. However, parents of a child at that school can be elected for more than one term.

How does the process begin?

School planning councils will begin a review of existing school plans after elections. School planning councils will develop school plans and school districts will identify timelines for completion and submission.

What kinds of information can be used to develop the school plan?

School planning councils are encouraged to use a range of public information in their planning, including:

  • classroom data (e.g., performance standards information, report card data),
  • all school data (e.g., attendance data, behavioural/safety information, school assessment information),
  • district data (e.g., local surveys) and
  • data provided by the Ministry such as:
    • graduation rates
    • grade-to-grade transitions (Grades 6 to 12)
    • foundation skills assessment information (grades 4, 7, 10)
    • parent, student and staff satisfaction survey results and
    • other information about student performance

School planning councils can also consider:

  • district plans and the broad goals stated in existing accountability agreements,
  • school context (i.e., community location, demographic information) when analyzing student results and strategies to improve student achievement,
  • performance information for significant groups like Aboriginal students, English as a second language students and students with special needs and
  • Enhancement Agreements and District Review Reports, where applicable.

How many goals should a school develop?

Two to four key goals are recommended with a maximum of one to three objectives to assist in achieving each goal.

A school planning council should provide advice on aspects of the school that contribute to student achievement but also should strive to remain specific and focused on key areas.

Will school planning councils discuss personnel issues?

No. The role of the school planning council does not include the discussion of personal or confidential information about students, teachers, parents or other employees, complaints about individuals or other personnel matters.

The school board defines operating principles and board policy for ethical standards, conflict resolution and decision making.

The principal should ensure that all Council members have a clear understanding of standards of conduct. The principal should also make clear the process for dealing with inappropriate conduct, according to school district policies.

How can the principal ensure the involvement of all members of the school community?

The principal, the Parents Advisory Council and school staff will promote effective two-way communication between the school community and the school planning council.

School planning councils are encouraged to consult with the entire school community, including parents, teaching and non-teaching staff and students.

The legislation requires school planning councils to consult with the Parents Advisory Council during the preparation of the school plan. The legislation also permits school planning councils to request assistance from the Parents Advisory Council in carrying out its function.

Some school districts have added additional non-voting members to the school planning council.

What can a principal do if the school planning council cannot agree on goals, directions or process?

The school planning council can seek additional expertise to help in its decision-making. This could include requesting assistance from the Parents Advisory Council and the broader community through surveys, newsletters or open meetings.

The school board is ultimately responsible for decisions concerning improved student achievement. It may accept the plan submitted by the school planning council, return the plan for modification or reject the plan and direct the principal to develop an alternate plan.

Can school board employees sit as parents on school planning councils?

No. This issue has been reviewed and there are no plans to amend the legislation.

Can a teacher be elected for a second or third school planning council term of office?

Yes. There is no maximum number of terms for school planning council representation.

For Continuing Education (CE) schools with multiple sites and varied programs, could there be a single school planning council which develops one overall school improvement plan?

A CE school with multiple sites might have only one school planning council, with one overall school improvement plan. However, the goals and objectives within the plan would reflect the needs of all of the students. School district policies regarding school planning councils may also provide some guidance to CE schools.

May adult students represent themselves in the parent role in the school planning councils of CE schools?

Yes.

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