School Community Council

 

 

 

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j3X6-8zr6kGDH_1O-iMBGoMj4Tf9PutK/edit 

March 9, 2020 3:30-5:00 pm Room S-102
go to link for agenda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Community Councils (SCC) play a vital role in Hawaii’s education system. They are part of the leadership structure at each school and enable shared-decision making among principals, teachers, school staff, parents, students and community members to improve student achievement.
School Community Councils are:

 

• A group of people who are elected by their peers to advise the principal on matters that affect student achievement and school improvement. Their primary role is to participate in the process that ensures that the needs of all students are addressed in the school’s Academic Plan.
• Forums for open discussion and problem-solving related to student achievement. Research suggests that the collaborative process contributes to improved school culture, classroom practices and student learning, and the development of a strong professional community of educators.
• A means to involve the community in the discussion of educational issues and help schools identify and respond to the educational needs of the community.

 

School Community Councils were established to provide a mechanism whereby key stakeholders can have a substantially increased voice in the affairs of their local schools. The “spirit” and intent of Act 51 was to:

• Strengthen the ties between school and community;
• Provide a voice for all major stakeholder groups;
• Create opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the educational system; and
• Focus on a shared goal of improving student achievement and system’s accountability.

 

A School Community Council (SCC) requires the collaborative involvement of the stakeholders of the school: principal, teachers, non-certificated staff, students, parents and other community members. SCC program requirements related to membership, governance and operational procedures are specified in the state statute and Board and Department of Education policies.
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​​​​​MembershipA School Community Council (SCC) is composed of the principal, teachers, non-certificated staff, students, parents and community members. In all schools (elementary, middle and high), the total number of SCC members may vary, but the law fixes the proportional representation of different stakeholder groups.

 

• 50% of the members are from the school staff including the Principal, teachers and non-certificated staff.
• 50% of the members are parents, students and community members.

 

 

 

Hawaii statute and Board policy require that each School Community Council develop bylaws to guide their operations. Bylaws provide the framework from which the Council operates. See Sample SCC Bylaws from which to develop individual school SCC Bylaws.
The following procedure should be followed in submitting the school SCC Bylaws.

1. Schools will submit their completed bylaws to the Complex Area Superintendent (CAS) for review and approval.
2. Once the bylaws are reviewed, the CAS will return them to the school’s SCC with recommendations for improvement, if needed.
3. The SCC should consider the recommendations, make appropriate revisions to the bylaws, and submit 3 copies to the CAS for approval.
4. The CAS will forward an approved copy of the SCC bylaws to the state SCC office.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The state statute calls for the election of officers. Each SCC is required to elect officers, including:

 

• A chairperson;
• A vice-chairperson;
• A secretary; and
• Other officers as needed to perform stated duties in support of the work of the council.

SCCs are also expected to hold at least two (2) Community Meetings during the school year. The Community Meetings provide for public accountability, opportunities for input, collaboration, and communication with members of the school community. The purpose of the meetings is to encourage the sharing of ideas and provide input to the development of the school’s Academic Plan and Financial Plans. The Guidelines for Community Meetings provide direction on roles, responsibilities and strategies for conducting effective community meetings.

Board Policy 2411 specifically calls for a decision making process that may be used by the school community council — a process that includes a fallback procedure whereby the final recommendations of the school community council are made by majority vote, by the principal, or by some other method that is agreed upon by the school community council.
The following tools and resources are provided to guide and help SCCs with the implementation of the decision making process.

 

The SCC Self Assessment Survey sets a clear and consistent standard for the core elements of an effective SCC. The online survey is utilized to collect data annually on the quality of the SCC implementation at each school and for the system. A school's current SCC members should complete it at the end of the school year.
Data from the survey is used to help determine action plans in building and improving the effectiveness of the School Community Council. Learn more about the SCC Self Assessment Survey Instrument and Process.

Refer to the SCC Activities Checklist and Timeline for a calendar of key SCC activities and due dates.

FunctionsOverview of key functions of the School Community Council.
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​​​​​SCC functionsBoard of Education Policy 2411 describes the major functions of the School Community

 

• Provide recommendations for revising or creating new school level policies and procedures;
• Review principal’s determination of school’s repair and maintenance needs; and
• Provide opportunities for community input and collaboration.

The SCC Activities Checklist and Timeline​ provides a calendar of activities and key due dates for the above functions and responsibilities.
Approval and Appeal ProcessThere is a clear and concrete delineation of powers and responsibilities among the school community council, principal, complex area superintendent, superintendent and Board of Education. The Matrix of Act 51/221 Requirements summarizes the responsibilities of each role group as described in the state statute.
The SCC will be involved in making decisions regarding school improvement with a focus on increasing student achievement. Decision making will include approving or not approving issues brought before the SCC. It is important for the council to understand the approval process and the authority within the DOE, BOE, and respective Unions who are authorized to provide the final approval for such decisions. Learn more about the Approval Process.
An appeal process provides steps and timelines for SCCs to appeal decisions made by the principal, complex area superintendent, or superintendent.

• Learn more about the Appeal Process.
• View Appeal Process Forms.