About school councils
In this guide
Parent(s) refers to parent(s) and/or guardian(s). A guardian is a person who has lawful custody of a child. Review other key terms in this guide.
Purpose and mandate
School councils support:
- student achievement and well-being
- accountability to parents within the school system
They do this by:
- actively engaging with parents and families on topics the school council is discussing
- making recommendations to their principal and school board
School councils may provide advice to the principal and the school board on any matter but may not assume principal or school administrator responsibilities.
Learn how to stay focused on your school council’s mandate.
When school councils make recommendations
When a school council makes a recommendation, the principal or school board must explain how they considered it in their decision.
School boards and principals must ask for the views of their school councils before they make decisions on certain topics.
Learn when your principal or school board must consult school council.
Parent majority
The majority of school council members must be parents of children attending the school.
Learn about school council composition and specific member roles.
Key functions
School councils:
- hold at least 4 public meetings per year
- consult parents with children attending the school on topics the school council is considering
- share feedback with the school and sometimes the school board
- help the school identify and respond to community education needs
- build strong connections between the school and parents
Parent and family engagement
School councils help families get involved in their children’s learning and school life.
Parents are their children’s first teachers and play a key role in their achievement and well-being. When families and schools work together, schools improve and students do better.
Learn how your school council can involve parents, families and the community.
School councils and our school system
Education roles and priorities
We administer the publicly funded elementary and secondary school system.
Our student achievement priorities focus on:
- building a strong foundation in reading, writing, math and STEM education
- preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, including skilled trades careers
- supporting student well-being and engagement
Our system is made up of groups and individuals with important roles and responsibilities defined in the Education Act and its regulations. School councils play a key role in:
- helping families stay involved
- keeping our school system accountable
- improving student achievement
Learn about education system roles and responsibilities.
French-language education in Ontario
In French-language school boards, school councils and schools follow their school board’s local Politique d’aménagement linguistique. This policy supports strong ties between schools, families and the Francophone community.
Learn more about French-language education.
Read policies for French-language education.
Accountability to parents
Learn how we’re building a more accountable education system focused on student achievement.