Councils and Boards in Public Schools procedures

Guidance

The functions of the school council or board are stipulated in the School Education Act 1999 (Act).  The Statement of Expectation outlines the expectations for each school in relation to its strategic planning and self-assessment, to form part of the school’s Public School Review and the Principal’s Professional Performance Review. The Funding Agreement for Schools (Funding Agreement) outlines the accountability expectations of the principal in relation to the management of funding to the school. Noting of and return of both of these documents should be clearly recorded in council/board meeting minutes and signed copies are to be retained by the school. Producing the signed copy may be required as part of the Department’s audit of schools, and where council/board or community members request it.

A school’s Parents and Citizens’ Association is a valuable but separate entity to the council/board.  Members of the council/board and the Parents and Citizens’ Association often work together on different projects.

Information for appointed members may take the form of an induction process, in-person or online training programs, written documents and/or online information.  Principals should support ongoing capacity building activities that will enhance the effectiveness of the school council or board. For information on supporting an effective school council or board, see the School Councils and Boards website.  See Related Policies for a list of Department of Education policies that include requirements affecting councils or boards.