Overview

As a parent or guardian, you can get involved in your child’s education in many ways, including through the: 

  • school council at your child's school
  • parent involvement committee (PIC) of your school board

Both encourage parent involvement in support of student achievement and well-being.

PICs provide advice at the board level. Learn more about parent involvement committees.

School councils mainly provide advice at the school level.

Note: On this page, parent(s) also means guardian(s). A guardian is a person who has lawful custody of a child.

About school councils

Every publicly funded school has a school council. The school council is a key advisory body to its school. School councils may also provide advice to their school board.

The school council provides a way for parents take an active part in:

  • improving student achievement
  • increasing education system accountability to parents

Your participation can make a difference.

As a school council member, you can connect with parents, school staff and the school community. You are part of a team that improves the student experience and supports high-quality education at your school. 

Attend a school council meeting

Everyone is welcome to attend school council meetings and learn about their work.

School councils meet at least 4 times a year.

Contact your school to find details.

Membership

Parents lead school councils and most members are parents.

Other members include:

  • the school principal
  • school staff representatives
  • community members
  • students (in some cases)

Read the regulation that outlines a school council’s composition, function and mandate.

How to join your school council

If your child attends a school, you can run for its school council at the start of each new school year.

Parent member elections take place within the first 30 days of each school year. The date is set by the school council chair/co-chairs in consultation with the principal.

Elections can be in person, online, by telephone or through a combination of methods to help make sure they are accessible and fair.

Contact your school if you would like to join your school council.

School councils: guide for members

Read the guide

We developed this guide to help school council members fulfil their mandate. It explains:

  • our regulations and what they mean for school councils, principals, and school boards
  • roles and responsibilities
  • when school boards and principals must consult with school councils

The guide has advice to help school councils set goals and priorities. It has tips about:

  • preparing for and running elections and meetings
  • establishing bylaws
  • communicating effectively with school communities

You will find ideas and examples that your school council can adapt to meet its needs. The guide also has sample forms, checklists and reports.