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.

Overview

School councils must follow regulations that guide how they operate, make decisions and supports student achievement. These rules cover:

  • membership
  • parent consultation
  • elections and bylaws
  • fundraising, accountability and expenses

School council membership

School council membership:

  • must have a majority of parent or guardian members
  • should reflect the diversity of the school community

Learn about school council composition, roles and responsibilities.

Discover how the principal supports your school council.

Find tips on appointing community representatives.

Consultation

Regulations require:

  • school councils to seek input from parents (of children going to the school) about matters under council consideration
  • school boards and principals to:
    • consult school councils on certain policies and guidelines
    • consider school council recommendations on any matter

Learn more about how school councils must consult and be consulted.

Elections and term of office

School council elections must take place within the first 30 days of the school year. This gives all parents — including those new to the school — a chance to vote or run for a position as a parent member.

The term for all members is 1 year. Members may run again or be re-appointed unless school council bylaws prevent it.

Learn more about:

Making bylaws

Your school council must have bylaws about:

  • election procedures and filling vacancies
  • conflicts of interest
  • conflict resolution (aligned with board policies)

Councils may also create bylaws to guide operations and improve effectiveness. Your school council should review its bylaws regularly, but you do not need to rewrite them each year.

Learn more about school council bylaws.

Fundraising

Your school board must consult your school council when it develops fundraising policies or guidelines.

Fundraising is optional. If your council chooses to fundraise, you must:

  • follow your board’s policies and guidelines
  • use the funds raised for a purpose approved by your school board
  • include fundraising details in your annual report

Learn about the standards for fundraising in schools.

Accountability

Your school council builds trust by being open and accountable. You do this by sharing meeting dates, keeping clear minutes that the public can access, making decisions in public and preparing an annual report. This report outlines your council’s activities and must be available to anyone who asks.

Transparency helps parents and community members stay informed, feel included and understand how your council supports the school.

Minutes and financial records

Your school council must keep:

  • school council and committee meeting minutes
  • financial records

Your principal must store these records and make them publicly accessible for at least 4 years.

Annual reports

At the end of each year, your school council must submit a written report to the school and school board. The report must include:

  • council activities
  • fundraising efforts (if any)

It may also include your council’s goals and achievements

Your principal must share the report with all parents who have a child attending the school.

Tips for writing your annual report

When preparing your school council’s report include:

  • school name
  • submission date
  • names and positions of council members
  • meeting dates (past and upcoming)
  • council activities for the year
  • financial report (if applicable)

Only include a financial report if your council had revenues (for example, core education funding for parent engagement or fundraising).

You may also want to add:

  • a message to parents, families and the school community
  • an invitation for everyone to attend future meetings

Find examples and templates to help your school council stay accountable.

Pay and expenses

Your school board:

  • will not pay you for your school council work
  • will pay you back for school council business expenses, according to its policies

Incorporation

School councils cannot be incorporated.