School Council – Training and Good Governance

Effective governance

Characteristics of an effective school council

An effective school council is one that:

• has a clear understanding of its role and responsibilities
• focuses on improving student learning outcomes and educational opportunities from a governance perspective
• involves the school community in conversations about key issues and challenges
• is actively involved in the development of the School Strategic Plan
• promotes parent and community participation and communicates with the community to seek views and feedback
• includes members who represent the diverse views of the school community
• has clear and consistent processes for decision-making
• maintains high ethical standards
• has members with trust and respect for one another
• regularly reviews and evaluates its own performance
• appropriately delegates to individual members and sub-committees
• allocates time to its own growth and development, through induction and training.

An effective school council supports the development of strategic partnerships, programs and activities to achieve the goals in the School Strategic Plan.

Roles and responsibilities

Effective school councils understand their roles and responsibilities. They understand the difference between their governance responsibilities and the operational responsibilities of the principal and school staff.

The functions of a school council are outlined in the School Council – Powers and Functions policy and in the relevant legislation information provided in this policy.

Reviewing how school council is operating

It is good governance for a school council to regularly review and assess how it operates. It is recommended that school council members complete a self-assessment of their knowledge, skills and operating procedures, following the school council election process. This could be at a school council meeting in term 2. However, school councils may vary this timing to suit their needs.

The assessment of skills and knowledge may also coincide with a school review, development of a new strategic plan, development of a specific policy or if the school council and school are beginning a major program.

As part of this review, school councils may consider their Standing Orders, their sub-committee structure and the effectiveness of their meetings. It is important that school councils – and individual school council members – work effectively, but also that they know they are working effectively and efficiently.

The school council might also consider the following:

• Preparation: Does our school council have a clear sense of how it will conduct proper governance? Do our school council members have relevant governance experience and an understanding of process?
• Capacity and composition: Does our school council have the diversity and experience to reflect the community and its needs and expectations? Do our school council members have the time to do the job properly? Does our school council have the financial skills to oversee the school budget?
• Structure: Does our school council have the best structure to be effective? Do we need a separate sub-committee or working group to consider a specific issue?
• Clarity: Does our school council understand its roles and responsibilities? Are all our school council members fulfilling their role?

A strategic way to review the effectiveness of the school council is to survey members, then discuss the results either in small groups, and/or as a whole. The School council self-assessment tool (DOCX) has been developed to support school councils with this process.

The skills and particular expertise a school council should have to assist in its key responsibilities, include:

• financial literacy
• strategic planning
• community engagement
• policy making
• ethical decision-making.

It is recommended a school council offers all members experience and encourages them to attend the training provided by the department in these key areas. Regular review of school council skills and capabilities will help determine which skills can be developed and enhanced.

The review can begin with the self-assessment tool distributed to all members of school council. This tool will help members as a group to reflect, discuss and identify their capabilities when matched against the roles and responsibilities of the school council. Most school councils will identify some areas for improvement. They may agree that they wish to further develop particular capabilities. It is important all school council members understand governance and that the school council as a whole has the capacity to monitor and oversee strategic planning, finance and support the school priorities.

A self-assessment instructional video can be found in the Resources tab.

School council skills and expertise

The most effective school councils have a range of skills and expertise – or a good understanding of how to source additional knowledge and advice.