School Site Councils are the major part of the overall decision-making structure at each school. They are a very special group of people who are elected by their peers to represent the members of a school community. Their primary role is to guide the Site Planning Process to ensure that the needs of all students are specifically addressed in the School Site Plan. The School Site Plan is a living document that highlights the goals for the school and the programs and dollars that the school needs to turn these goals into a reality for students.

School Site Councils are forums for shared governance. Recent research suggests that such shared decision-making, when done well, contributes to improved school culture and a strong professional community of educators. In addition, effective shared decision-making supports improved classroom practice and student learning. These results indicate that democratic structures like School Site Councils are integral to school success.

The School Site Council:

1. reviews the School Based Coordinated Plan (SBCP) and monitors its implementation,
    periodically assessing its effectiveness and communicating its status to the
    community;

2. approves and monitors the budget for School Improvement Plan (SIP) and GATE
    money (as consistent with EducationCode);

3. makes recommendations for PTO money directed toward implementing the school
    plan;

4. takes actions as required by the laws of the State of California and the policies of the
    Norwalk - La Mirada Unified School District;

5. establishes and communicates schoolwide priorities for current school year

6. identifies, develops and implements areas that strengthen the core program 

7. coordinates the discussion and resolution of school community compliments and
    concerns

8. maintains a web of communication between SSC, principal, parents, teachers, and
    PTO via

    a) SSC monthly meetings

    b) SSC community concerns/compliments liaison

    c) PTO liaison

    d) Teacher liaison

    e) Norwalk High School Website (http://www.norwalklancers.org)

    f) Parent Survey

    g) SSC insert in 1st day of school packet

3.  MEMBERSHIP

1.  The Council consists of 5 community members (plus 2 alternates), the principal,
     one classified employee, 3 certified employees (teachers) and the SIP coordinator.

2.  Elections:

    a.   All community members are elected for a two-year term, on an alternate year
         plan of 3 new members being elected each year. This allows for experience
         and continuity in the council’s actions. Community members are elected by
         the parent community in an election that takes place prior to the last meeting of
         the school year. Nominations are solicited prior to the election. Both nominations
         and election are conducted at Stevens Creek via the School Newsletter.
         Community members nominated to, but not elected may serve as alternates.
         Alternates may attend the council meetings and take an active role in the
         Council’s responsibilities. However, unless substituting for an absent member, an
         alternate has no voting power.

     b. Certified staff members may be elected for a one or two-year term. They are 
         elected by other certified staff members at a scheduled staff meeting, with     
         nominations solicited prior to that meeting.

     c. Classified staff members may be elected for a one or two-year term. They are
         elected by other classified staff members at a scheduled meeting, with
         nominations solicited prior to that meeting.

     d. Resignations are official when submitted in writing and accepted by the chair.

     e. If a vacancy occurs, a new member will be nominated and elected by his peer
         group at a preannounced meeting.

3.  A member who has 3 unexcused absences from scheduled meetings may be asked
     to resign and an alternate will assume the position. An absence is considered
     excused if a member notifies the SIP coordinator or Principal or chair prior to the
     scheduled meeting.

4.  PROCEDURES

1.  School Site Council Meetings are held monthly during the school year; the calendar
     of dates is established at the beginning of the year. Special meetings may be called
     by the chair as well. All regular and special meetings of SSC are open to the public
     at all times.

2.  The SIP Coordinator distributes a packet containing the agenda (established by
     chairperson), previous meeting minutes and other pertinent documents at least 3
    days prior to the meetings.

3.  The Recording Secretary records the minutes of the meeting which include: list of
     attendees, topics of discussion and resulting action items (not details of
     discussion); information/facts related by principals or members; motions carried;
     dates for upcoming meetings.

4.  Absent members must prearrange alternate replacement.

5.  Any person may speak to any agenda item; however, only elected members shall
    vote on SSC issues. A simple majority of the SSC constitutes a quorum.

5.  SBCP REVIEW

The SBCP (School Based Coordinated Plan) is a yearly working plan for the school, updated in the spring for the following year. The district defines the structure and content of the plan. Three sections of the plan are of particular interest to the SSC:

1.  School priorities are based on: the district directed priorities; results of the SSC,
     parent, teacher surveys; input from the teachers, SSC and PTO. Priorities are set by
     the principal in April/May, to be included in the SBCP and to be used in subsequent
     budget decisions.

2.  Staff development plans are based on the school priorities and are determined by
     principal and staff.

3.  Base programs and goals for the different subject/school areas (e.g. Math, School
     Environment) are addressed in an April/May staff learning day (or on Tuesday
     afternoon staff meetings) - SSC members are invited to participate in the discussion.
     Groups of staff/SSC members take different sections and recommend changes and
     enhancements. Every three years the PQR process is used to address one area in
     depth (e.g. recently Language Arts).

The SBCP is approved by the SSC in the June meeting, and then sent to the district for approval as next years school plan!

Files:

•  agenda_template.rtf