A School Council is a representative, school building-based committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, and community members. School Councils were mandated in every public school in Massachusetts by the Education Reform Act of 1993.

Parent members of a School Council are to be selected by the parents of the students attending the school. Elections are held by the Home School Association. Teacher members are to be selected by the teachers in the school. There is to be membership parity among the parent, teacher and community members of the School Councils.

There are four major areas of responsibility for School Councils. They are to assist principals in:

• Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards.

• Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school.

• Reviewing the annual school building budget.

• Formulating a school improvement plan.

Comment from the public is welcome.