School Advisory Councils are required at each elementary or secondary school in the district. Council membership must consist of the principal (serves as co-chair), parents, teachers, other persons (not parents or teachers at the school) and (at grades 9 - 12) at least one student.  

Elections must be held by local recognized parent-teacher organizations. 

School council meetings are subject to provisions of the Open Meeting Law. 

The principal, in consultation with the council, shall adopt educational goals for the school consistent with any goals, standards and educational policies established by the state Board of Education and the local School Committee.

·         consideration of student-to-teacher ratios and other factors

·         professional development for the school's professional staff

·         allocation of any professional development funds in the annual school budget

·         enhancement of parental involvement in the life of the school

·         safety and discipline

·         a welcoming school environment

·         extracurricular activities

·         development of means for meeting the diverse learning needs of as many children as possible

The school improvement plan may also include a scheduled plan for reducing class size and any other subjects that the principal and council consider appropriate.

Each school improvement plan shall be submitted to the school committee for review and approval every year.