SCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCIL
HANDBOOK
DUVALCOUNTYPUBLICSCHOOLS
Jacksonville,Florida
Dr.Patricia S. Willis,Superintendent
AUGUST 2017
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...... 4
WhatIstheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil’sJob?...... 4
DCPSSTRATEGICPLAN...... 5
Vision...... 5
CoreValues...... 5
Goals...... 5
STATE STATUTE AND SCHOOL ADVISORYCOUNCILS...... 6
Section 1001.452,F.S.Districtand SchoolAdvisoryCouncils...... 6
SECTION 1012.01,F.S.(Definitions)...... 8
SUNSHINELAW...... 11
Public Records...... 12
DUVALCOUNTY SCHOOL BOARDPOLICYMANUALCHAPTER2.00SCHOOLBOARD GOVERNANCEANDORGANIZATIONSECTION2.32 13
SCHOOL ADVISORYCOUNCIL(SAC)MEMBERSHIP INDUVALCOUNTY...... 14
SELECTION...... 14
TERM...... 14
VACANCIES...... 14
APPROVAL...... 14
SampleSACMembershipRoster...... 16
RESPONSIBILITY/FUNCTIONS OF DUVAL COUNTYSCHOOL ADVISORYCOUNCILS...... 17
SCHOOL ADVISORYCOUNCILOPERATIONALPROCEDURES...... 18
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTFUNDS...... 19
SCHOOL RECOGNITIONFUNDS...... 20
ROLES OF SACMEMBERSANDTHE SCHOOLBOARD...... 21
ThePrincipal...... 21
TheChairperson...... 21
The ViceChair...... 22
TheSecretary...... 22
ParentsandotherCommunityRepresentatives...... 22
TeachersandEducationalSupportRepresentatives...... 23
StudentRepresentatives...... 23
TheSCHOOLBOARD...... 23
AREAADVISORYCOUNCILS...... 24
DISTRICTADVISORYCOUNCIL...... 24
GUIDELINES FORSUCCESSFUL SACMEETINGS...... 25
APPENDIXA- SACBYLAWSTEMPLATE...... 26
APPENDIXB- SACBYLAWSGUIDE...... 33
APPENDIXC- SACMINUTESTEMPLATEWITHGUIDELINES...... 35
APPENDIXD - SACAGENDATEMPLATE...... 38
APPENDIXE- SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTFUNDS...... 40
APPENDIXF- SCHOOLRECOGNITIONFUNDS...... 41
APPENDIXG- SAMPLE SAC MEETINGREMINDERCHECKLIST...... 42
APPENDIXH- MID-YEARSTAKEHOLDERSASSESSMENTCOMMUNITYMEETING...... 43
APPENDIXI- MID-YEAR STAKEHOLDERSASSESSMENTCOMMUNITYMEETINGTEMPLATE...... 44
APPENDIXJ- SAMPLE MEETINGNOTICE...... 46
APPENDIXK-SAMPLEMEETINGSCRIPT...... 47
APPENDIXL - SAMPLE SPEAKERCARD...... 52
APPENDIXM-SAMPLE SACSIGNINSHEET...... 53
INTRODUCTION
AsamemberofaSchoolAdvisoryCouncil(SAC),youareaveryimportantperson.Youandyourfellowcouncilmembers areentrustedwiththeimprovementofyourpublicschool.Underlyingthelawthatcreatedthesecouncilsisabeliefthatallchildrencanlearn,andthatthe publicschoolscanandwillchangetobetterpreparestudentsfortoday’sandtomorrow’s workplace.
Eachpublicschoolisunique. Ithasitsowncommunitysetting,resources,challenges,andmost importantly,astudentpopulationunlikeanyother.Thepeoplebestsuitedtodecide whatwillbe effectiveinhelpingourstudentslearnarethepeopleclosesttoeachschool:the principal,faculty andstaff,parents,students,local businesspeople,andcommunitymembers.These“stakeholders” arerepresentedonyouradvisorycouncil.
ThelawthatcreatedSACswasenactedin1991bytheFloridaLegislatureoutofconcernabouttheeffectivenessofpublicschools.Today,everypublicschoolhasaSAClikeyourstoplanfor school improvementandincreasedstudentachievement.
What Is theSchoolAdvisoryCouncil’sJob?
TheSchoolImprovementandEducationAccountabilitysystem,whichincludestheSAC,setsup prioritiesandstudentperformancestandardsthatserveasguidingprinciplesfor everythingthe councildoes.
Simplyput,aSAC’sjobistoexamineaspectsofitsschoolassuggestedbytheprioritiesandgenerateaSchoolImprovementPlan(SIP)thataddressestargetingtheidentifiedprioritiesand meetingthestudentperformancestandards.
Thecouncilmustconsiderwhatisknownaboutitsschoolanddecidewhichareasneedimprovement.Ananalysisofstudentachievementandschoolperformancedatashouldoccur. ThentheSACmustdecidewhichneedsaremostimportantandpressing.
Thegroupwillthendevelopstrategies—the“how-to”forimprovingtheareasmostimportantto theirschool—anddecidehowtomeasuretheresultsof thestrategiestheyplantoimplement.
Attheendofthisprocess,theSACwillhavecreatedtheSIP,whichaddressesissuesrelativetobudget,training,instructionalmaterials,technology,staffing,studentsupportservices,school safety,disciplinestrategies,studenthealthandfitness,indoorenvironmentalairquality,and mattersof resourceallocation.
DCPSSTRATEGICPLAN
Vision-Everystudentis inspiredandpreparedforsuccessincollegeoracareer,andlife.
Mission-Toprovideeducationalexcellenceineveryschool,ineveryclassroom,foreverystudent,everyday.
CoreValues
Excellence.Weexpectthehigheststandardsthroughoutourorganizationfromthe SchoolBoardandSuperintendenttothestudent.
Integrity.Wefosterpositiverelationshipsbasedonmutualrespect,transparency,honesty,andtheconsistentdemonstrationofactions.
Innovation.Wecreatedynamicsystemsandprocessesthatsolveproblemsandovercomechallenges.
Equity.Wepromoteanenvironmentthatensuresequalopportunity,honorsdifferences,andvaluesdiversity.
Collaboration.Weareacommunityofindividualswhoshareacollectiveresponsibilityto achieveourcommonmission.
Goals
DevelopGreatEducatorsandLeaders
•Provideteachersandstudentswiththetoolsandresourcesnecessarytomeetthe demandsoftheCommonCoreStandardsandstudents’individualneeds.
•Recruit,employ,andretainhighquality,diverseteachers,instructionalleaders,andstaff.
•Provideongoingprofessionallearningandsupporttodevelopallteachers,instructionalleaders,andstaff.
EngageParents,Caregivers,Community
•Establishandsustainaculturethatiscollaborative,transparent,andchild-centric.
•Createawelcoming,respectful,andresponsiveenvironmentforallstakeholdersthatleadstoopenlines ofcommunication.
•Expandpartnershipsandensurealignmentbetweendistrictstrategicplanandcommunity,government,non-profit,andbusinessinitiatives.
EnsureEffective,Equitable,EfficientUseofResources
•Ensuretheuseofdistrictfundsistransparent,strategic,andaligned.
•Distributedistrict-wideprogramsandresourcesinanequitablemanner.
•Deployinformationtechnologythatsupportstheacademicneedsofallstudents,teachers,andstaff.
DeveloptheWholeChild
•Facilitateandaligneffectiveacademic,health,andsocial-emotionalservicesfor studentsbasedonneeds.
•Addresstheneedsofallstudentswithmultipleopportunitiesforenrichment.
•Encouragepositivebehavior,respecttowardsothers,andensuresafeenvironmentsthroughouttheschooldistrict.
STATESTATUTEANDSCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCILS
Section1001.452,F.S.DistrictandSchoolAdvisoryCouncils.
(1)ESTABLISHMENT.--
(a)Thedistrictschoolboardshallestablishanadvisorycouncilforeachschoolinthedistrictandshalldevelopproceduresfortheelectionandappointmentofadvisorycouncilmembers.Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallincludeinitsnamethewords"schooladvisorycouncil."Theschool advisorycouncilshallbethesolebodyresponsibleforfinaldecisionmakingattheschoolrelatingtoimplementationofss.1001.42(18)and1008.345.Amajorityofthemembersofeachschool advisorycouncilmustbepersonswhoarenotemployedbytheschooldistrict.Eachadvisorycouncilshallbecomposedoftheprincipalandanappropriatelybalancednumberofteachers,educationsupportemployees,students,parents,andotherbusinessandcommunitycitizenswhoarerepresentativeoftheethnic,racial,andeconomiccommunityservedbytheschool. Careercenterandhighschooladvisorycouncilsshallincludestudents,andmiddleandjuniorhighschooladvisorycouncilsmayincludestudents.Schooladvisorycouncilsofcareercentersandadulteducationcentersarenotrequiredtoincludeparentsasmembers.Councilmembersrepresentingteachers,educationsupportemployees,students,andparentsshallbeelectedbytheirrespectivepeergroupsattheschoolinafairandequitablemannerasfollows:
1.Teachersshallbeelectedbyteachers.
2.Educationsupportemployeesshallbeelectedbyeducationsupportemployees.
3.Studentsshallbeelectedbystudents.
4.Parentsshallbeelectedbyparents.
Thedistrictschoolboardshallestablishprocedurestobeusedbyschoolsinselectingbusinessandcommunitymembersthatincludemeansofensuringwidenoticeofvacanciesandoftakinginputonpossiblemembersfromlocalbusiness,chambersofcommerce,communityandcivicorganizationsandgroups,andthepublicatlarge.Thedistrictschoolboardshallreviewthe membershipcompositionofeachadvisorycouncil.Ifthedistrictschoolboarddeterminesthatthemembershipelectedbytheschool isnot representativeoftheethnic,racial,andeconomic communityservedbytheschool,thedistrictschoolboardshallappointadditionalmembersto achieveproperrepresentation.Thecommissionershalldetermineifschoolshavemaximizedtheireffortstoincludeontheiradvisorycouncilsminoritypersonsandpersonsoflowersocioeconomicstatus.Althoughschoolsarestronglyencouragedtoestablishschooladvisory
councils,thedistrictschoolboardofanyschooldistrictthathasastudent populationof10,000 orfewermayestablishadistrictadvisorycouncilwhichincludesatleast onedulyelectedteacherfromeachschoolinthedistrict.Forthepurposesofschooladvisorycouncilsanddistrictadvisorycouncils,theterm"teacher"includesclassroomteachers,certifiedstudentservicespersonnel,andmediaspecialists.Forpurposesofthisparagraph,"educationsupportemployee"meansanypersonemployedbyaschoolwhoisnotdefinedasinstructionaloradministrativepersonnelpursuanttos.1012.01andwhosedutiesrequire20ormorehoursineachnormalworkingweek.
(b)Thedistrictschoolboardmayestablishadistrictadvisorycouncilrepresentativeofthe districtandcomposedofteachers,students,parents,andothercitizensoradistrictadvisorycouncilthatmaybecomprisedofrepresentatives ofeach schooladvisorycouncil.Recognizedschoolwidesupportgroupsthatmeetallcriteriaestablishedbylaworrulemayfunctionasschooladvisorycouncils.
(c)ForthoseschoolsoperatingforthepurposeofprovidingeducationalservicestoyouthinDepartmentofJuvenileJusticeprograms,districtschoolboardsmayestablishadistrictadvisorycouncilwithappropriaterepresentativesforthepurposeofdevelopingandmonitoringadistrictschoolimprovementplanthatencompassesallsuchschoolsinthedistrict,pursuanttos.1001.42(18)(a).
(d)Eachschooladvisorycouncilshalladoptbylawsestablishingproceduresfor:
1.Requiringaquorumtobepresentbeforeavotemaybetakenbytheschooladvisorycouncil.Amajorityofthemembershipofthecouncilconstitutesaquorum.
2.Requiringatleast3days'advancenoticeinwritingtoallmembersoftheadvisorycouncilof anymatterthatis scheduledtocomebeforethecouncilforavote.
3.Schedulingmeetingswhenparents,students,teachers,businesspersons,andmembersofthe communitycanattend.
4.Replacinganymemberwhohastwounexcusedconsecutiveabsencesfromaschooladvisorycouncilmeetingthat is noticedaccordingtotheproceduresinthebylaws.
5.Recordingminutesofmeetings.
Thedistrictschoolboardmayreviewallproposedbylawsofaschooladvisorycouncilandshallmaintainarecordofminutesofcouncilmeetings.
(2)DUTIES.--Eachadvisorycouncilshallperformfunctionsprescribedbyregulationsofthe districtschoolboard;however,noadvisorycouncilshallhaveanyof thepowersanddutiesnow reservedbylawtothedistrict schoolboard.Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallassistinthe preparationandevaluationoftheschoolimprovementplanrequiredpursuanttos.1001.42(18).WithtechnicalassistancefromtheDepartmentofEducation,eachschooladvisorycouncilshallassistinthepreparationoftheschool'sannualbudgetandplanasrequiredbys.1008.385(1).A portionoffundsprovidedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsActforusebyschooladvisorycouncilsmustbeusedforimplementingtheschoolimprovementplan.
SECTION1012.01,F.S.(Definitions)
Specificdefinitionsshallbeasfollows,andwhereversuchdefinedwords ortermsareusedinthe FloridaK-20EducationCode,theyshallbeusedasfollows:
(1)SCHOOLOFFICERS.--Theofficersofthestatesystemofpublic educationshallbethe CommissionerofEducationandthemembersof theStateBoardofEducation;and,foreachdistrictschoolsystem,theofficersshallbethedistrictschoolsuperintendentandmembersofthedistrictschoolboard.
(2)INSTRUCTIONALPERSONNEL.--"Instructionalpersonnel"meansanystaffmemberwhose functionincludestheprovisionofdirectinstructionalservicestostudents.Instructionalpersonnelalsoincludepersonnelwhosefunctionsprovidedirectsupportinthelearningprocessofstudents.Includedintheclassificationofinstructionalpersonnelare:
(a)Classroomteachers.--Classroomteachersarestaffmembersassignedtheprofessionalactivityofinstructingstudentsincoursesinclassroomsituations,includingbasicinstruction,exceptionalstudenteducation,careerandtechnicaleducation,andadulteducation,includingsubstituteteachers.
(b)Studentpersonnelservices.--Studentpersonnelservicesincludestaffmembersresponsible for:advisingstudentswithregardtotheirabilitiesandaptitudes,educationalandoccupationalopportunities,andpersonalandsocialadjustments;providingplacementservices;performingeducationalevaluations;andsimilarfunctions.Includedinthisclassificationareguidance counselors,socialworkers,occupational/placementspecialists,andschoolpsychologists.
(c)Librarians/mediaspecialists.--Librarians/mediaspecialistsarestaffmembersresponsiblefor providingschoollibrarymediaservices.Theseemployeesareresponsibleforevaluating,selecting,organizing,andmanagingmediaandtechnologyresources,equipment,andrelatedsystems;facilitatingaccesstoinformationresourcesbeyondtheschool;workingwithteacherstomakeresourcesavailableintheinstructionalprograms;assistingteachersandstudentsinmediaproductions;andinstructingstudentsinthelocationanduseofinformationresources.
(d)Otherinstructionalstaff.--Otherinstructionalstaffarestaffmemberswhoarepartofthe instructionalstaffbutarenotclassifiedinoneof thecategoriesspecifiedinparagraphs(a)-(c).Includedinthisclassificationareprimaryspecialists,learningresourcespecialists,instructionaltrainers,adjuncteducatorscertifiedpursuanttos.1012.57,andsimilarpositions.
(e)Educationparaprofessionals.--Educationparaprofessionalsareindividualswhoareunderthe directsupervisionofaninstructionalstaffmember,aidingtheinstructionalprocess.Includedinthisclassificationareclassroomparaprofessionalsinregularinstruction,exceptionaleducationparaprofessionals,careereducationparaprofessionals,adulteducationparaprofessionals,libraryparaprofessionals,physicaleducationandplaygroundparaprofessionals,andotherschool-levelparaprofessionals.
(3)ADMINISTRATIVEPERSONNEL.--"Administrativepersonnel"includespersonnelwhoperform managementactivitiessuchasdevelopingbroadpoliciesfortheschooldistrictandexecutingthosepoliciesthroughthedirectionofpersonnelatalllevelswithinthedistrict.Administrative personnelaregenerallyhigh-level,responsiblepersonnelwhohavebeenassignedthe responsibilitiesofsystemwideorschoolwidefunctions,suchasdistrictschoolsuperintendents,assistantsuperintendents,deputysuperintendents,schoolprincipals,assistantprincipals,technicalcenterdirectors,andotherswhoperformmanagementactivities.Broadclassificationsofadministrativepersonnelareasfollows:
(a)District-basedinstructionaladministrators.--Includedinthisclassificationarepersonswithdistrict-leveladministrativeorpolicymakingdutieswhohavebroadauthorityformanagementpoliciesandgeneralschooldistrictoperationsrelatedtotheinstructionalprogram.Suchpersonneloftenreportdirectlytothedistrictschoolsuperintendentandsuperviseotheradministrativeemployees.Thisclassificationincludesassistant,associate,ordeputysuperintendentsanddirectorsofmajorinstructionalareas,suchascurriculum,federalprogramssuchasTitleI,specializedinstructionalprogramareassuchasexceptionalstudenteducation,careerandtechnicaleducation,andsimilarareas.
(b)District-basednoninstructionaladministrators.--Includedinthisclassificationarepersonswithdistrict-leveladministrativeorpolicymakingdutieswhohavebroadauthorityfor managementpoliciesandgeneralschooldistrictoperationsrelatedtothenoninstructionalprogram.Suchpersonneloftenreportdirectlytothedistrictschoolsuperintendentandsuperviseotheradministrativeemployees.Thisclassificationincludesassistant,associate,or deputysuperintendentsanddirectorsofmajornoninstructionalareas,suchaspersonnel,construction,facilities,transportation,dataprocessing,andfinance.
(c)Schooladministrators.--Includedinthisclassificationare:
1.Schoolprincipalsorschooldirectorswhoarestaffmembersperformingtheassignedactivitiesastheadministrativeheadofaschoolandtowhomhavebeendelegatedresponsibilityforthe
coordinationandadministrativedirectionoftheinstructionalandnoninstructionalactivitiesof theschool.Thisclassificationalsoincludestechnicalcenterdirectors.
2.Assistantprincipalswhoarestaffmembersassistingtheadministrativeheadoftheschool. Thisclassificationalsoincludesassistantprincipalsforcurriculumandadministration.
(4)YEAROFSERVICE.--Theminimumtimewhichmayberecognizedinadministeringthestateprogramofeducation,notincludingretirement, asayearofservicebyaschoolemployeeshallbefull-timeactualservice;and,beginningJuly1963,suchserviceshallalsoincludesickleaveandholidaysforwhichcompensationwasreceivedbutshallexcludeallothertypesofleaveandholidaysforatotalofmorethanone-halfofthenumberofdays requiredforthenormalcontractualperiodofserviceforthepositionheld,whichshallbe196daysorlonger,orthe minimumrequiredforthedistricttoparticipateintheFloridaEducationFinancePrograminthe yearservicewasrendered,ortheequivalentforserviceperformedonadailyorhourlybasis;provided,further,thatabsencefromdutyafterthedateofbeginningserviceshallbecoveredbyleavedulyauthorizedandgranted;further,theschoolboardshallhaveauthoritytoestablishadifferentminimumforlocaldistrictschoolpurposes.
(5)SCHOOLVOLUNTEER.--Aschoolvolunteeris anynonpaidpersonwhomaybeappointedbyadistrictschoolboardoritsdesignee.Schoolvolunteersmayinclude,butmaynotbelimitedto, parents,seniorcitizens,students,andotherswhoassist theteacherorothermembersofthe schoolstaff.
(6)EDUCATIONALSUPPORTEMPLOYEES.--"Educationalsupportemployees"meansemployeeswhosejobfunctionsareneitheradministrativenorinstructional,yetwhoseworksupportsthe educationalprocess.
(a)Otherprofessionalstaffornonadministrative/noninstructionalemployeesarestaffmemberswhoperformprofessionaljobfunctionswhicharenonadministrative/noninstructionalinnature andwhoarenototherwiseclassifiedinthissection.Includedinthisclassificationareemployeessuchasdoctors,nurses,attorneys,certifiedpublicaccountants,andothersappropriatetothe classification.
(b)Techniciansareindividualswhoseoccupationsrequireacombinationofknowledgeandmanualskillwhichcanbeobtainedthroughabout2yearsofpost-highschooleducation,such asisofferedinmanytechnicalinstitutesandcommunitycolleges,orthroughequivalenton-the-job training.
(c)Clerical/secretarialworkersareindividualswhosejobrequiresskillsandtraininginclerical- typework,includingactivitiessuchaspreparing,transcribing,systematizing,orpreservingwrittencommunicationsandreportsoroperatingequipmentperformingthosefunctions.
Includedinthisclassificationaresecretaries,bookkeepers,messengers,andofficemachine operators.
(d)Skilledcraftsworkersareindividualswhoperformjobswhichrequirespecialmanualskillandathoroughandcomprehensiveknowledgeoftheprocessesinvolvedintheworkwhichisacquiredthroughon-the-jobtrainingandexperienceorthroughapprenticeshiporotherformaltrainingprograms.Leadworkersforthevariousskilledcraftsareasshallbeincludedinthisclassification.
(e)Serviceworkersarestaffmembersperformingaserviceforwhichtherearenoformalqualifications,includingthoseresponsiblefor:cleaningthebuildings,schoolplants,orsupportingfacilities;maintenanceandoperationofsuchequipmentasheatingandventilationsystems;preservingthesecurityofschoolproperty;andkeepingtheschoolplantsafeforoccupancyanduse.Leadworkersinthevariousserviceareasshallbeincludedinthisbroadclassification.
(7)MANAGERS.--"Managers"includesthosestaffmemberswhoperformmanagerialandsupervisoryfunctionswhileusuallyalsoperforminggeneraloperationsfunctions.Managersmaybeeitherinstructionalornoninstructionalintheirresponsibility.Theymaydirectemployees'work,plantheworkschedule,controltheflowanddistributionofworkormaterials,trainemployees,handlecomplaints,authorizepayments,andappraiseproductivityandefficiencyof employees.Thisclassificationincludescoordinatorsandsupervisorsworkingunderthegeneraldirectionofthosestaffidentifiedasdistrict-basedinstructionalornoninstructionaladministrators.
SUNSHINELAW
TheFloridaSunshineLawasprovidedinChapter286,FloridaStatutes,statesinpart,“All
meetingsofanyboardorcommissionofanystateagencyorauthorityorofanycounty,municipalcorporation,orpoliticalsubdivision,exceptasotherwiseprovidedintheConstitution,atwhichofficialactsaretobetaken aredeclared tobepublic meetingsopentothepublic atalltimes,andnoresolution, ruleorformalactionshallbeconsideredbindingexceptastakenor madeatsuchmeeting.Theboardorcommissionmustprovidereasonablenoticeofallsuchmeetings.”
SchoolAdvisoryCouncilsarerequiredtooperateundertheSunshinelaw,(publicmeetingsperChapter286,FloridaStatutesandpublicrecordsperChapter119,FloridaStatutes).ThismeansthatallSAC meetingsareopentothepublic.TheSunshinelawappliestoanymeetingwheretwo
(2)ormoremembers ofaSAC aregatheredtodiscusssomematteronwhichforeseeableactionmightbetakenbytheSAC.
InorderforthemeetingtocomplywiththeChapter286,FloridaStatutes,theSAC mustmeetthree(3)requirements,whichareasfollows:
(1)Postnoticeofthelocationofthemeetingincludingthedate,time,placeandtopicstobe discussed;
(2)Provideanopportunityforthepublictoattend(includingthemedia);and
(3)Prepareminutesofthemeeting.
SACshallpostwrittennoticeofthemeetingina locationthatissetasideforthatpurpose.The noticeshallbeprominentlydisplayedinaplacewhereallnoticesaregenerallylocatedinthe school(i.e.,abulletinboard).Thenoticeshouldbepublishedthree(3)tofive(5)businessdayspriortothemeeting.
Inanopenpublicmeeting,Floridalaw recognizes therightofthepublictobeheardthroughpubliccomment.Therefore,membersofthepublicshallbegiventheopportunitytospeakonmattersofconcern,duringatimedesignatedby theSAC.Aftertheminutesofthemeetingare prepared,Floridapublicrecordslaw,Chapter119,FloridaStatutes,providesthatthepublichastherighttoinspectandcopymeetingminutes.
Itisimportanttorememberthatevenacasualgathering oftwo(2)ormoreSAC membersthatinvolvesthediscussionofSACbusiness,willbeconsidereda“meeting”perChapter286.Thus,suchameetingwillbesubjecttotherequirementsoftheSunshineLaw,whetherthereisvotingornot.
PublicRecords
Florida’spublicrecordslaw,Chapter119,FloridaStatutes,definespublicrecordsas,“"Alldocuments,papers,letters,maps,books,tapes,photographs,films,soundrecordings,dataprocessingsoftwareorothermaterial,regardlessofphysicalform,orcharacteristics,ormeansoftransmission,madeorreceivedpursuanttolaworordinanceorinconnectionwiththe transactionofofficialbusinessbyanyagency."
Alldocuments,regardlessofform,madeorreceivedbySAC aresubjecttothepublicrecords law.Thesedocumentsareopenforinspectionunlesstheyareconfidentialand/orexemptfrom publicdisclosure.ShouldSAChaveanyquestionsaboutpublicrecords,pleasecontacttheOffice ofLegalServicesat(904)390-2010or(904)390-2111.
ThisistheendofinformationfromFloridastatute.
DUVALCOUNTYSCHOOLBOARDPOLICYMANUALCHAPTER2.00SCHOOLBOARDGOVERNANCEANDORGANIZATIONSECTION2.32
SCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCIL2.32
I.TheSchoolBoard shallestablisha SchoolAdvisory Council (SAC)ineach Districtschoolto serve inanadvisorycapacitytotheprincipal andto assist in thedevelopmentoftheeducationalprogramandinpreparation andevaluation oftheSchoolImprovementPlanrequiredpursuanttoFloridaStatutes.TheseadvisoryCouncilsshallnotassumeanyofthepowersordutiesnowreservedbyFlorida StatutesfortheSchoolBoardorits professionalstaff.Nothingcontainedin theDistrictand/orlocal schoolaccountabilityprocessshallbe construed tolessenorotherwisealtertheauthority oftheschoolprincipal asprovidedforinlaw, rulesorregulations.
II.TheDistrictapproved SchoolAdvisoryCouncilbylawsformandguidelinesareherebyincorporatedbyreferenceforuseandmadeapart ofthispolicy.Copiesof theapprovedformandguidelines shallbemaintainedbytheSuperintendentorhis/herdesignee.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY:1001.41,1001.42,F.S.
LAW(S) IMPLEMENTED:1001.43,1001.452,1008.345,F.S. HISTORY: ADOPTED:April1,1997
REVISIONDATE(S):10/7/14
11/10/08
FORMERLY:BDF
ThisistheendofinformationfromBoardpolicy.
SCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCIL(SAC)MEMBERSHIPINDUVALCOUNTY
Theprincipalshallassurethatthemembershipoftheschooladvisorycouncil(SAC)shallbe representativeoftheethnic,racialandeconomiccommunityservedbytheschool.Councils shallincludeparents,teachers,educationsupportemployees,students(highschoolsandacademiesoftechnology/skillcenters)andbusinessandcommunitymembers.Theprincipal shallbeamemberoftheSAC.It isrecommendedthatthecouncilconsistofnomorethan20members.Amajorityofthemembersofeachschooladvisorycouncilmustbepersonswhoare notemployedbytheschooldistrictF.S.1001.452,(1)(a).Theteachersshouldberepresentative ofthefaculty,i.e.,bygradelevelsand/orsubjectareas.Thecouncilshouldbelargeenoughtobe representativeandsmallenoughtobeproductive.ThelargertheSAC,themoredifficultitisto getaquorum.Aquorumisrequiredtoconductbusiness relatedtotheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil.
SELECTION
Peerelectionshallbeusedtoselectparent,teacher,studentandeducationalsupportemployees.Businessandcommunitymembersshallbeselectedbytheprincipalwhoshalluse schoolpublicationsand othermeanstoprovidewidenoticeofvacanciesandwhoshallreceive inputonpossiblemembersfromlocalbusinesses,areachambersofcommerce,communityandcivicorganizationsandthepublicatlarge.
TERM
Thetermof officeforSAC membersshallbeestablishedbytheSAC asapartofitsbylaws.
VACANCIES
SchoolsfromtimetotimewillhaveaneedtofillvacanciesthatmayoccurontheSAC.Vacanciesshallbefilledinthesamemannerastheoriginalselectionprocess.
APPROVAL
Themembershipofeachschool’sSAC isverifiedbytheprincipal,checked bydistrictstaffforcomplianceandthenmustbeapprovedbytheschoolboard.Aftertheapprovaloftheschool board,anymodificationsofaschool’sSACmembershipmustbeverifiedforcompliancebyappropriatedistrictstaff.Iftheschoolboarddeterminesthatthemembershipelectedbythe schoolisnot representativeoftheethnic,racial,andeconomiccommunityservedbytheschool, theboardshallappointadditionalmemberstoachieveproperrepresentation.
PROCESS
Withinthefirst20daysofschool,eachprincipalwillreceiveaSACmembershipfilefromthe ytheendofSeptembertocompletetheapprovalprocess.
SchoolAdvisoryCouncil Composition-Amajorityofthemembersofeachschooladvisory councilmust bepersons whoarenot employedbytheschooldistrict.Eachadvisorycouncilshallbe composedof theprincipal andanappropriatelybalancednumberof teachers,educationsupport employees, students(requiredforhighschoolandoptionalformiddleschool),parents, andotherbusinessand communitycitizens who arerepresentativeoftheethnic,racial,andeconomiccommunityservedby theschool. F.S.1001.452,(1)(a)
PrincipalTeacherEducationSupportParentsStudentsCommunity
Members
SCHOOLEMPLOYEESEMPLOYEESOR NON-EMPLOYEES
SCHOOLEMPLOYEES– INTERNAL STAFFParentsStudentsCommunity
Principal isa required membership andtheonly school administrator ontheSchool Advisory Council School principal
Teachersshall beelectedby teachers
•Classroom teacher
•Coach
•Guidance Counselor
•Media Specialist
•Certified student services personnel
Educationsupport employeesshallbe electedbyeducation support employees
•Memberswho perform professional job functionswhich are nonadministrative andor noninstructionalin nature
•Secretary
•Bookkeeper
•SecurityGuard
•Nurse
•CustodialStaff
•ResourceOfficer
Parents shallbe elected by parents
Anyone who has astudent currently enrolled at the school andnota staffor faculty member ofthat school
Students shallbe elected by students
Required at the high school level, optional at the middle school level
Appointed bythe principal
Businessand community membersshallbe selectedbythe principal who shalluseschool publications and othermeansto provide wide noticeof vacanciesand who shallreceive input onpossible membersfrom localbusinesses, area chambersof commerce, communityand civic organizationsand thepublic at large.
SampleSACMembershipRoster
DISTRICT EMPLOYEE–
whethera school employeeor externalDCPS employee,this mustbe identified in this column
Although itis not includedonthis form, theprincipalmust ensuretheeconomic communityisbalanced and representedonthe SAC.
Principal, Teacher,Student andEducational SupportStaff are fromtheinternal school population.
Parentsand Community/ Business could be internal or external
RESPONSIBILITY/FUNCTIONSOFDUVALCOUNTYSCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCILS
Theresponsibilityoftheschooladvisorycouncilis:
Toprovideparents,citizens,faculty,staff,andstudentsanopportunityto participateinthedevelopmentofeducationalpriorities,assessmentofaschool’sneeds,andidentificationoflocalresources.
Thefunctionsofschooladvisorycouncilsare:
•Toassistinthepreparationandevaluationoftheschoolimprovementplan(SIP)(Sec.
1001.452(2),F.S.).
•Toassistinthepreparationofeducationalimprovementproposalsforimplementinganeducationalimprovementgrant.
•Toassistinthepreparationoftheschool’sannualbudget(Sec.1001.452(2),F.S.).
•ToassistincompletionoftheMid-YearStakeholderAssessment.
•Toperformfunctionsprescribedbyregulationsofthedistrictschoolboard(Sec.
1001.452(2),F.S.).
Otherbroadfunctionsoftheschooladvisorycouncils:
•Toparticipateinplanningandmonitoringofschoolbuildingsandgrounds.
•Toinitiateactivitiesorprogramsthatgenerategreatercooperationbetweenthe communityandtheschool.
•Toassistinthedevelopmentofeducationalgoalsandobjectives.
•Toprovideinputregardingthedistrict’sStrategicPlan.
•Toreviewandprovideinputoncurriculumissues.
•Torecommendvarioussupportservicesandresources.
•Toreviewtheimpactofpropertydevelopmentandzoningchangesinthevicinityoftheschoolastheyrelatetothesafety,welfareandeducationalopportunitiesofthe students.
•ToreviewthebudgettobesureitisalignedwiththeSchoolImprovementPlan.
•Toperformotherfunctionsasrequestedbytheprincipal.
Schooladvisorycouncilsarenotestablishedtoorganizefundraisingactivities
SCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCILOPERATIONALPROCEDURES
Theschooladvisorycouncilisaresourcetotheschoolandprincipal.Theterm“advisory”isintendedtomean(1)inquiring,(2)informing,(3)suggesting,(4)recommending,and(5)evaluating.
Theschooladvisorycouncil,sinceitisadvisoryonly,hassomelimitations:(1)itmaynot dictateschoolboardorlocalschoolcenterpolicy,and(2)itmustdealwithissues ratherthanparticularpersonswhethertheyareadministrators,teachers,students,citizens,orparents.
OPERATIONALPROCEDURES
–Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallmeetasoftenasisnecessarytoperformitsduties,butnolessthaneight(8)timesperschoolyear.Alladvisorycouncilmeetingsshallbeopentothepublicaccording totheSunshineLaw.
–Eachschooladvisorycouncilshalldevelopbylawsthatmaybereviewedbythedistrict
schoolboard.
–Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallmaintainminutesofitsmeetings,arecordofwhichshallbemaintainedbytheschoolboardandsubjecttopublic review.Theminutesshallincludecopiesof thenoticesofmeetings,theagenda,recordofattendance,andanyreportsorsupplementalmaterialsusedduringthemeeting.Minutesshouldbekeptforthreeyears.
–Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallassistinthepreparationoftheschoolbudgetandschoolimprovementplanthataddressesbudget,training,instructionalmaterials,technology,staffing,studentsupportservices,andothermattersofresourceallocationasdeterminedbytheschoolboard.
–EachschooladvisorycouncilshalldecidehowSchoolImprovementFundswillbespent.
–EachschooladvisorycouncilshalldeterminehowSchoolRecognitionFunds,ifawarded,shallbeusedjointlywiththeschool’sstaff.IftheschoolstaffandtheSACcannot reachagreementbyFebruary1,theawardsmustbeequallydistributedtoallclassroom teacherscurrentlyteachingintheschool.
–Theofficersofaschool advisorycouncilshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,a
chairperson,avice-chairperson,andasecretary.
–Thedutiesofofficersshallbeestablishedbytheschooladvisorycouncil.
–Vacanciesonthecouncilaftertheinitialselectionshallbefilledinthesamemannerastheoriginalselectionprocess.Membernamesandrace/ethnicityaretobesentto appropriatedistrictstaff.
–Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallincludethewords“schooladvisorycouncil”intheirname.
–Eachschooladvisorycouncilshallbethefinaldecisionmakingbodyattheschool concerningtheprogressoftheimplementationoftheschoolimprovementplan.
SCHOOLIMPROVEMENTFUNDS
Schoolimprovementfunds.--Thedistrictschoolboardshallprovidefundstoschoolsfordevelopingandimplementingschoolimprovementplans.Suchfundsshallincludethosefundsappropriatedforthepurposeofschoolimprovementpursuanttos.24.121(5)(c).Sec.1001.42(18)(c)F.S.TheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilsdecidehowthemoneywillbespent.These moniesmaybeexpendedonlyonprogramsorprojectsselectedbytheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil.
FundsareallocatedperunweightedstudentFTEasfundsareavailable.Disbursement
•Fundswillbeplacedinaschoolimprovementaccountlocatedateachschool.
•Schoolsaretokeeparecordofallexpendituresforauditingpurposes.
UseofFunds
•TheSchoolAdvisoryCouncildecideshowtheSchoolImprovementFundswillbe spent.
•TheprincipalmaynotoverridetherecommendationsoftheSAC.
•FundscanbeusedforSchoolImprovementPlandevelopmentorimplementationonly.
•SACsmustreferencespecificobjectivesand/orstrategiesintheSchoolImprovementPlan.
•SchoolImprovementFundsmaynotbeusedforcapitalimprovements,suchas,construction,renovation,remodeling,orsiteimprovement.
•SACsareencouragedtousethefundstomeetcurrentneeds ratherthanhavingthe moniescommittedtorecurringneeds.
•Fundsshouldbespentthesameschoolyeartheyareawarded.Procedure
•TheSACwillmeettodiscusstheuseoffunds.
•SACminutesshouldreflectthediscussionandvotingprocess.
•TheSchoolImprovement Planshouldincorporatetheuseofthefundsintheactionplanandbudgetcomponent oftheplan.
•.
•AcopyofthemeetingminutesandthecompletedAppendixEistobekeptonfileatthe schoolwithotherSACdocumentation.
SCHOOLRECOGNITIONFUNDS
Allselectedschoolsshallreceivefinancialawardsdependingontheavailabilityoffundsappropriatedandthenumberandsizeofschoolsselectedtoreceiveanaward.Fundsmustbe distributedtotheschool’sfiscalagentandplacedintheschool’s accountandmustbeusedforpurposeslistedinsubsection(5) asdeterminedjointlybytheschool’sstaffandschooladvisorycouncil.IfschoolstaffandtheschooladvisorycouncilcannotreachanagreementbyFebruary1,theawardsmustbeequallydistributedtoallclassroomteacherscurrentlyteachinginthe school.Sec.1008.36(4),F.S.
Amount-$100perunweightedStudentFTEand amendedasperchanges inthelaw.
Disbursement
•Fundswillbeplacedintoaschoolrecognitionaccountlocatedateachschool.
•Aplanfordisbursementoffundsandabudget mustbesubmittedtothedistrict.
•Schoolsaretokeeparecordofallexpendituresforauditingpurposes.
Procedure
•TheSACwillmeettodiscussthedistributionoffunds.
•SchoolRecognitionFundsaredistributedtheschoolyearafterthestandardizedassessmentsaretakentodetermineschoolgrades orschoolimprovementratings.The decisionofhowfundswillbedistributedshouldoccurwiththeSACmembershiptheyeartheassessmentswillbetakensoifandwhenfundsareavailable,aplanisinplace.
oExample–The2014-15SAC willvoteonthedistributionofSchoolRecognitionFundsthatwillbereleasedduringthe2015-16schoolyearbasedontheschool’sperformanceduringthe2014-15schoolyear.
•TheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilandSharedDecisionMakingcommittee(representingthe school’sstaff)shalljointlyreachanagreementon howthefundswillbespent.IfanagreementisnotreachedbyFebruary1,theawardsmustbeequallydistributedtoallclassroomteacherscurrentlyteachingintheschool(Sec.1008.36(4),F.S.).
•SACminutesshouldreflectthediscussionandvotingprocess.
•.
•AcopyofthemeetingminutesandthecompletedAppendixFistobekeptonfileatthe schoolwithotherSACdocumentation.
ROLESOFSACMEMBERSANDTHESCHOOLBOARD
ThePrincipal
•assuresthatmembershipoftheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilisrepresentativeoftheethnic,racialandeconomiccommunityservedbytheschool.
•workscloselywiththeSACChairpersontopreparemeetingagendas.
•maintainstheappropriatestatutorycompositionoftheSAC.
•servesasaresourceprovidinginformationregardingthelocalschooleducationalprogram.
•suppliesacademicinformationtotheSAC.
•isnotapassiveresourcepersonoradominantfigure.
•encouragesleadershipfromwithinthecouncil.
•assistsintrainingmembersinleadershipskills.
•arrangesforpresentationsofinteresttothecouncil.
•representstheschoolatAreaAdvisoryCouncilmeetings(adesigneecan beusedwhenneeded.)
•keepstheSACapprisedofcountypolicies,curriculum,etc.
•establishes,maintains,andregularlyconsultswiththeschooladvisorycouncil,involvingitindecisionsinaccordancewithstatedpurposesandpolicies.
•develops,throughpositiveactions,feelingsoftrustandunderstandingamongSAC,communityandstaff.
•facilitatesthedistributionofSACminutesandagendas.
•servesastheadministratorinchargeoftheschoolwithtotalresponsibilitytoarrangeallaffairsoftheschoolincludinggeneralcontrolandsupervisionofitsemployees.
•isavotingmemberofSAC.
•istheonlyadministratorontheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil.
•supervisesinstruction.
•leadsinthedevelopment,revisionandsuccessfulimplementationoftheSIP.
•involvesallstakeholdersintheSIPprocess.
•keepsSACinformedofrelevantpoliciesandactivitiesoftheschool,districtandstate.
•ensuresarecordofSACactivityishousedattheschoolandavailableuponrequest.
TheChairperson
•workscloselywiththeprincipalandthecounciltoplaneachmeetingandestablishanagendaintimetonotifythecommunityofthepurposeofeachmeeting.
•isanimpartial,conscientiousarbiterofdiscussionanddebate,andinsistsonfairnessintheactionsanddebateofthemembers.
•representstheschoolatAreaAdvisoryCouncilmeetings(adesigneecan beusedwhenneeded.)
•callsthemeetingtoorder,maintainsorder,facilitatesandseesthatthemeetingisproperlyadjourned.
•instructsthesecretaryandotherofficersintheirduties.
•seesthatminutesaretaken,prepared,read,approved,andproperlyfiledintheschool.
•seesthatbusinessisordered,considered,anddisposedofproperly.
•providesatleast3daysadvancenoticeinwritingtoallmembersoftheadvisorycouncilofanymatterthat isscheduledtocomebeforethecouncilforavote.
•ensuresthatacopyoftheminutesandattendancerecordisforwardedtoappropriatedistrictstaff.
TheViceChair
•servesasChairintheabsenceoftheelectedChair.
The Secretary
•keepsaccurate,completeminutesandfilesthemforinspection.Anelectroniccopyof theminutesshouldbeprovided,inatimelymanner,totheprincipalfortheschoolfile .
•preparescopiesoftheagendaanddistributestocouncilmembers,alongwithminutesofthelastmeeting.
•keepsaccuraterecordsofcouncilmembership,attendance,dutiesandspecialassignments.
Parentsand otherCommunityRepresentatives
•functionascouncilmembersaccordingtoestablishedproceduresmakingsuggestionsandrecommendationsrepresentativeoftheviewofparents,citizensandcommunityorganizationsoftheschoolcommunity.
•participateregularlyinSACmeetingsandcarryoutcouncilassignments.
•becomeknowledgeableaboutthepersonnelandmaterialresourcesoftheschool,the communityandtheschool’seducationalprogram.
•actasresourcepersonsfortheSAC,especiallyinthesolutionsofcommunity-relatedissueswhichaffecttheschoolanditspupils.
•provideinputintotheprocessofobtainingcommunityresourcestoaidtheschool’seducationalprogram.
•serveasacommunicationslinkbetweentheSAC,thecommunity,andtheschool.
•participateinactivitiesaimedatobtainingparentandcommunitysupportandassistance forschool-relatedprograms.
Teachersand Educational SupportRepresentatives
•functionasmembersofthecounciltorepresenttheviewsandinterestsoftheschoolstaff.
•participateregularlyinSACmeetingsandcarryoutcouncilassignments.
•provideinputintotheprocessofidentifyingcommunityresourceswhich canaidinthe school’seducationalprogram.
•acceptassignedresponsibilityforassistinginandcoordinatingtheimplementationof newprograms.
•serveasacommunicationlinkbetweentheSAC andtheschoolstaff,keepingthestaffinformedofactionsandactivitiesofthecouncil.
•participateineffortstoencourageschoolstaffsupportforgoalsandactivitiesoftheSAC.
•actasresourcepersonsfortheSACbymakingavailablespecializedinformationabouttheeducationalprogram,innovativeideasandavailableresource.
•Note:theprincipalistheonlyadministratorontheSAC.
StudentRepresentatives
•serveasrepresentativesofallstudents,securingsuggestionsandrecommendationsfrom membersofthestudentbodyforconsiderationbytheSAC.
•functionasmembersoftheSACinaccordancewithestablishedprocedures.
•participateregularlyinSACmeetingsandcarryoutcouncilassignments.
•provideinputtotheprocessofidentifyingcommunityresourcestoaidintheeducationalprogram.
•assistinsecuringthesupportofstudentsinprogramsplannedtodealwithissuesaffectingstudents.
•serveasacommunicationslinebetweentheSAC,thecommunityandthestudentbody.
•participateinactivitiesaimedatobtainingparentandcommunitysupportfortheschool.
•arerequiredinhighschools,optionalinmiddleschools;notincludedinelementaryschools.
TheSCHOOLBOARD
•shallprovidefunds,perstudent,forschooladvisorycounciluse,forschoolimprovementonly,asrequiredbyFloridastatutesandamendedfromtimetotime.
•shallencouragemaximumdecisionmakingattheschoolsite.
•shallencouragewaiversofstateanddistrictpolicy,andnotifyschooladvisorycouncilsof waiverprocess.
•shallmonitorschooladvisorycouncilmembershipforcompliance.
•shallmaintainmeetingminutesfromallSACmeetings.
•shallensurethateachschoolimprovementplanaddressesbudget,training,instructionalmaterials,technology,staffing,studentsupportservices,andothermattersofresource allocation.
AREAADVISORYCOUNCILS
EachschoolshallbelongtoanAreaAdvisoryCouncil(AAC).RepresentativestotheAreaAdvisoryCouncilshallbetheprincipalandtheSACchairortheirdesignees.AACsshallelecttheirownchairperson,vice-chairpersonandsecretary.AACsshallcreatetheirownsetof bylawsandaregoverned bytheSunshineLaw.ThepurposeoftheAAC istofacilitate communicationamong theschoolsineachfeederpattern.Theprincipalofthehigh schoolintheareaSACfeederpatternshallberesponsibleforassuringthattheAACismeetingthe requiredquarterlyminimumofmeetings.
TheAreaAdvisoryCouncilChairmanandAreaAdvisoryCouncilSecretaryareresponsiblefor keepingaccurate,completeminutes.Anelectroniccopyoftheminutesshouldbeprovided,inatimelymanner,eadprincipalfor theareawillprovidesupportinthisareaasneeded.
DISTRICTADVISORYCOUNCIL
ThechairpersonofeachAAC,ortheirdesigneeshallrepresenttheirareaontheDistrictAdvisoryCouncil(DAC). TheDACshallelectitsownchairperson,vice-chairpersonandsecretary.TheDACshallcreateitsownsetofbylawsandisgovernedbytheSunshineLaw.ThesuperintendentshallbeamemberoftheDAC.ThepurposeoftheDACistoenhance communicationbetweenthesuperintendent,districtstaff,communityandthelocalschools.
TheDistrictAdvisoryCouncilChairmanandDistrictAdvisoryCouncilSecretaryareresponsible
forkeepingaccurate,completeminutes.Anelectroniccopyof theminutesshouldbeprovided,inatimelymanner,fficeofSchool Improvementwillprovidedistrictsupportinthisareaasneeded.
GUIDELINESFORSUCCESSFULSACMEETINGS
Theschooladvisorycouncilshouldplananorganizationalagendaforitsfirstmeetingoftheschool year.ThismeetingmightbeusedtoreviewthisSACHandbook,setgoals,introducemembers,assignresponsibilities,setan agendaformat,anddeterminewhat typeof problemsolvingapproachwillbeusedbythecouncil.
Inordertomaintainschooladvisorycouncilinterestandattendanceatmeetings,eachmeetingshouldbecarefullyplanned.Planningstrategiesforasuccessfulmeeting arelistedbelow.
–SACchairpersonandprincipalprepareanagenda(useinputfrompreviousmeetingsandcurrentconcerns).
–Sendoutminutesofthepreviousmeetingandanagendaforthenextmeetingto allmembersatleastfivedaysbeforeameeting.
–Selectanappropriateroomforthemeeting.Consideracentrallocation,
temperature,lighting,acoustics,size,andattractiveness.
–Arrangeadult-sizefurnitureforface-to-facecontact–preferablytablesandchairsarrangedina“U”orsquare.Iftablesarenotavailable,arrangechairsinacircle oroval.
–Supplynametagsandarrangenamecardsattables.
–Haverefreshmentsreadyandeasilyaccessible.
–Makearrangementsforspeakers,AVmaterialsorequipmentasneeded.
–Plantobeginandendthemeetingontime.
AllSAC meetingsshouldbeconductedinamannerdesignedtobringabout efficiencyandclarity.TheSACchairpersonwillcallthemeetingtoorder,guidethemembersthroughtheagendaitems,andadjournthemeeting.
Topicstobeaddressedbyaschooladvisorycouncilshouldreflecttheneedsoftheschoolinrelationtotheschool’sphilosophy,goals,andtheroleoftheschoolwithinthecommunity.Examplesoftopicsforconsiderationarelistedbelow:
–MonitoringandupdatingtheSchoolImprovementPlan
–Monitoringmagnetprograms,ifapplicable
–ProgramsforMarketingtheSchoolSafetyConcerns
–ProgramsforParentMeetings
–AfterSchoolPrograms
–CurriculumStudy
–SchoolGoalsandNeeds
Theeffectivenessofthecouncilwilldependupontherapportbetweenthecouncilandtheschoolprincipal.
APPENDIXA-SACBYLAWSTEMPLATE
SCHOOLADVISORYCOUNCILBYLAWS
ArticleI:Name
Thename ofthis organizationistheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil.
ArticleII:Purpose
Section1.ThefunctionsoftheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilare:
a)Toassistinthepreparationandevaluationoftheschoolimprovementplan(Sec.1001.452(2),F.S.).
b)Toassistinthepreparationofeducationalimprovementproposalsfor implementinganeducationalimprovementgrant.
c)Toassistinthepreparationoftheschool’sannualbudget(Sec.1001.452(2),F.S.),
d)ToassistincompletionoftheMid-YearStakeholderAssessment.
e)Toperformfunctionsprescribedbyregulationsofthedistrictschoolboard(Sec.1001.452(2),F.S.).
Section2.Other boardfunctionsoftheSchoolAdvisory Councilare:
a)Toparticipateinplanningandmonitoringofschoolbuildingsandgrounds.
b)Toinitiateactivitiesorprogramsthatgenerategreatercooperationbetweenthecommunityandtheschool.
c)Toassistinthedevelopmentofeducationalgoalsandobjectives.
d)Toprovideinputregardingthedistrict’sStrategicPlan.
e)Toreviewandprovideinputoncurriculumissues.
f)Torecommendvarioussupportservicesandresources.
g)Toreviewtheimpactofpropertydevelopmentandzoningchangesinthe vicinityoftheschoolastheyrelatetothesafety,welfareandeducationalopportunitiesofthestudents.
h)ToreviewthebudgettobesureitisalignedwiththeSchoolImprovementPlan.
i)Toperformotherfunctionsasrequestedbytheprincipal.
ArticleIII:Membership
Section1.Theprincipalshallassurethatthe membershipshallberepresentativeofthe ethnic,racialandeconomiccommunityservedbytheschool.
Section2.Thiscouncilshallincludeparents,teachers,educationsupportemployees,communitymembers,andtheprincipal.A majorityofthemembershipshallbenon-districtemployees.
Section3.Forpurposesof SAC membership,parentsshallbe definedasanyonewhohasastudentcurrentlyenrolledattheschoolandnotastafforfacultymemberofthatschool.
Section4.Theprincipalshallbetheonlymemberofthatschool’sadministrationwhoisamemberoftheSAC.
Section5.Peerelectionshallbeusedto selectparent,educationsupport staff,studentandteachermembersoftheSAC.
Suchelectionsshallbeheldatthebeginningofeach schoolyear(afterthefirstdayofschool)suchthatthemembershiplistis readytosubmittoappropriate districtstaffnolaterthanOctober1.
Section6.Communitymembersshallbeappointedbytheprincipal.
Section7.Termofofficefornewlyelected membersshallbeforaperiodofoneyear.Section8.Membersnotattendingfortwoconsecutivemeetings,withoutanexcused
absence,willbereplaced.Vacanciesforparents,teachers,educationalsupportpersonnelandstudentswillbefilledbypeerelection.Electionstofillvacantpositionsmaybe heldasnecessarythroughouttheyear.
Section9.SACisasunshineorganizationandnon-membersareencouragedtoattendmeetingsbutmaynotvote.VotinginSACmeetingsshallbelimitedtodulyelected/appointedschoolboardapprovedmembers.
Section10.The PTApresidentmaybeamemberofthe SAC.(optional)
ArticleIV:Responsibilities
a)assistinthepreparationandevaluationoftheschoolimprovementplan
b)assistinthepreparationoftheschool’sannualbudget
c)TheSACshallperformfunctionsprescribedbyregulationsofthedistrictschoolboard
ArticleV:Officers
Section1.Officersandtheirelection:
a.TheofficersoftheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilshallbeachairperson,vice chairperson(s),andasecretary.AllofficersmustbemembersoftheSAC.
b.Theseofficersshallbeelected,bywrittenballot,atthefirstmeetingofSAC atthe beginningoftheschool yearprovidednoticeofelectionhasbeenprovidedtothe public.
ArticleVI:RolesofthePrincipal and SACMembers
Section1.ThePrincipal
a)assuresthatmembershipoftheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilisrepresentativeofthe ethnic,racialandeconomiccommunityservedbytheschool.
b)workscloselywiththeSACChairpersontopreparemeetingagendas.
c)maintainstheappropriatestatutorycompositionoftheSAC.
d)servesasaresourceprovidinginformationregardingthelocalschooleducationalprogram.
e)suppliesacademicinformationtotheSAC.
f)isnotapassiveresourcepersonoradominantfigure.
g)encouragesleadershipfromwithinthecouncil.
h)assistsintrainingmembersinleadershipskills.
i)arrangesforpresentationsofinteresttothecouncil.
j)representstheschoolatAreaAdvisoryCouncilmeetings(adesigneecan beusedwhenneeded.)
k)keepstheSACapprisedofcountypolicies,curriculum,etc.
l)establishes,maintains,andregularlyconsultswiththeschooladvisorycouncil,involvingitindecisionsinaccordancewithstatedpurposesandpolicies.
m)develops,throughpositiveactions,feelingsoftrustandunderstandingamongSAC,communityandstaff.
n)facilitatesthedistributionofSACminutesandagendas.
o)servesastheadministratorinchargeoftheschoolwithtotalresponsibility to arrangeallaffairsoftheschoolincludinggeneralcontrolandsupervisionofitsemployees.
p)isavotingmemberof SAC.
q)istheonlyadministratorontheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil.
r)supervisesinstruction.
s)leadsinthedevelopment,revisionandsuccessfulimplementationoftheSIP.
t)involvesallstakeholdersintheSIPprocess.
u)keepsSACinformedof relevantpoliciesandactivitiesoftheschool,districtandstate.
v)EnsuresarecordofSACactivityishousedattheschoolandavailableuponrequest.
Section2.TheChairperson
a)workscloselywiththeprincipalandthecounciltoplaneachmeetingandestablishanagendaintimetonotifythecommunityofthepurposeofeachmeeting.
b)representstheschoolatAreaAdvisoryCouncilmeetings(adesigneecan beusedwhenneeded.)
c)callsthemeetingtoorder,maintainsorder,facilitatesandseesthatthemeetingisproperlyadjourned.
d)instructsthesecretaryandotherofficersintheirduties.
e)seesthatminutesaretaken,prepared,read,approved,andproperlyfiledinthe school.
f)seesthatbusinessisordered,considered,anddisposedofproperly.
g)seesthattheplanofaSACvoteispostedat least3dayspriortovote.
h)isanimpartial,conscientiousarbiterofdiscussionanddebate,andinsistsonfairnessintheactionsanddebateofthemembers.
i)ensuresthatacopyoftheminutesandattendancerecordisforwardedto appropriatedistrictstaff.
Section3.TheViceChair(s)
a)servesasChairintheabsenceoftheelectedChair.
Section4.TheSecretary
a)keepsaccurate,completeminutesandfilesthemforinspection.Anelectronic copyoftheminutesshouldbeprovided,inatimelymanner,totheprincipalfor theschoolfileandacopyforwardedtoappropriatedistrictstaffnolaterthanthe .
b)preparescopiesoftheagendaanddistributestocouncilmembers,alongwithminutesofthelastmeeting.
c)keepsaccuraterecordsofcouncilmembership,attendance,dutiesandspecialassignments.
Section5.Parentsandothercommunityrepresentatives
a)functionascouncilmembersaccordingtoestablishedproceduresmakingsuggestionsandrecommendationsrepresentativeoftheviewofparents,citizensandcommunity organizationsoftheschoolcommunity.
b)participateregularlyinSACmeetingsandcarryoutcouncilassignments.
c)becomeknowledgeableaboutthepersonnelandmaterialresourcesofthe school,thecommunityandtheschool’seducationalprogram.
d)actasresourcepersonsfortheSAC,especiallyinthesolutionsofcommunity- relatedissueswhichaffecttheschoolanditspupils.
e)provideinputintotheprocessofobtainingcommunityresourcestoaidthe school’seducationalprogram.
f)serveasacommunicationslinkbetweentheSAC,thecommunity,andtheschool.
g)participateinactivitiesaimedatobtainingparentandcommunitysupportandassistanceforschool-relatedprograms.
Section6.TeachersandEducationalSupportrepresentatives:
a)functionasmembersofthecounciltorepresenttheviewsandinterestsofthe schoolstaff.
b)participateregularlyinSACmeetingsandcarryoutcouncilassignments.
c)provideinputintotheprocessofidentifyingcommunityresourceswhichcanaidintheschool’seducationalprogram.
d)acceptassignedresponsibilityforassistinginandcoordinatingthe implementationofnewprograms.
e)serveasacommunicationlinkbetweentheSACandtheschoolstaff,keepingthe staffinformedofactionsandactivitiesofthecouncil.
f)participateineffortstoencourageschoolstaffsupportforgoalsandactivitiesoftheSAC.
g)actasresourcepersonsfortheSACbymakingavailablespecializedinformationabouttheeducationalprogram,innovativeideasandavailableresource.
h)Note:theprincipalistheonlyadministratorontheSAC.
ArticleVII:Committees
TheSAC maycreatesuchcommitteesasnecessarytocarryontheworkofthecouncil.
ArticleVIII:Meetings
Section1.The SACshallmeetasoftenasnecessarytoperformitsduties,butnolessthaneight(8)timesperyear.Suchmeetingsshallbeheldstartingatthebeginningofeachschoolyear(afterthefirstdayofschool)suchthatthemembershiprosterisreadyto submittoappropriatedistrict staffnolaterthanOctober1.Meetingsmust bescheduledwhenparents,students,teachers,educationsupportpersonnelandcommunitymemberscanattend.Allmeetingsshallbeopentothepublic.
Section2.Aquorummustbepresentto conductbusiness.Amajorityofthemembershipofthecouncil(morethanhalf)shallconstituteaquorum.
Section3.Threedayswrittennoticewillbegiventomembersconcerninganyitemthatwill bevotedonattheupcomingmeeting.
ArticleIX:AmendmentstoBylaws
Section1.Thesebylawsshallbeamendedatany regularmeetingoftheSACbyamajorityofthemembership.
Section2.Theamendmentshallbecomeeffectiveimmediatelyuponpassage.
ArticleX:RatificationofBylaws
ThebylawsoftheSACwillberatifiedbyamajorityofifitsmembers.
ArticleXI:ParliamentaryAuthority
Section1.Therulescontainedinthecurrenteditionof“Robert’sRulesofOrder, NewlyRevised”shall governtheassociationinallcasesinwhichtheyareapplicableandinwhichthey donotconflict withthesebylaws.
Section2.ThechairpersonhastheoptiontoappointamemberofSACasaparliamentarianatanymeetingdeemednecessary.
APPENDIXB-SACBYLAWSGUIDE
Thebylawsformisdesignedtomakeyourschooladvisorycouncilbylawseasytounderstandandeasytokeepup-to-date.
Eachschooladvisorycouncilshalladoptbylawsestablishingproceduresfor:
1.Requiringaquorumtobepresentbeforeavotemaybetakenbytheschooladvisorycouncil.Amajorityofthemembershipofthecouncilconstitutesaquorum.
2.Requiringatleast3days'advancenoticeinwritingtoallmembersoftheadvisorycouncilof anymatterthatis scheduledtocomebeforethecouncilforavote.
3.Schedulingmeetingswhenparents,students,teachers,businesspersons,andmembersofthecommunitycanattend.
4.Replacinganymemberwhohastwounexcusedconsecutiveabsences fromaschooladvisorycouncilmeetingthat is noticedaccordingtotheproceduresinthebylaws.
5.Recordingminutesofmeetings.
Thedistrictschoolboardmayreviewallproposedbylawsofaschooladvisorycouncilandshallmaintainarecordofminutesofcouncilmeetings
Rememberthatbylawsaresupposedtogiveyousomestructureandguidelinesforthe operationofyourSAC.Becarefulnottomakethemtoorestrictivesincethatwillhinderyourabilitytooperate.Forexample,whileyouwillwanttosaythatyourSACwillmeetatleast8 timesperyear,youwillNOTwanttosaythattheywillmeetonthefirstThursdayofevery month.Becausethenyouarerequiredtomeetonthefirst Thursdayofeverymonth,evenifyouhavenobusinesstoconduct,otherwiseyouareoutofcompliancewithyourbylaws.
Section1.TheSchoolAdvisoryCouncilisa resourcetotheschoolandtheprincipal.Theterm “advisory”isintendedtomean1)inquiring,2)informing,3)suggesting,4)recommending,and
5)evaluating.
Section2.TheSchoolAdvisoryCouncil,sinceitisadvisoryonly,hassomelimitations.1) **Itmaynotdictateschool boardorlocalschoolcenterpolicy,and2)itmustdealwithissues ratherthanparticularperson,whethertheyareadministrators,teachers,students,citizens,orparents.
Addendum.YoumayaddapagetoyourbylawstitledAddendumifyouhaveitemsthatyoufeelabsolutelymustremainapartofyourbylawsandarenotcoveredinthebylawsform.Simplyinserta“SeeAddendum”bytheareawherethenewsectionwouldfitintothebylaws.Onthe addendumpage,referenceArticle#andSection#andaddyourwording.
ArticleI: ThenameofyourSchoolAdvisory Council.(Must includethewords“SchoolAdvisoryCouncil”.)
ArticleII:PurposeofSchoolAdvisoryCouncilArticleIII:Membership
Section7.You mustdetermineatermofofficefor yourmembers.It issuggestedthatmembersserveforoneyear.Membersingoodstandingcouldthenbere-electedtoservefortwoorthreeterms.
Section9.Itissuggestedthat youincludethePTApresident asamemberoftheSAC.Itprovidesforcontinuityofinformation.If youdo notwantthePTApresidenttoserveontheSAC,thissectionmayberemoved.Ifyoudowanthimorherincluded,juststrikethewordoptional.
ArticleIV:ResponsibilitiesofSAC–Sec.1001.452(2)F.S.atthebeginningofthishandbook.
ArticleV:Officers
Section1.Youwillneedattheleast,achairtorunthemeetingandasecretarytotake theminuteswhicharerequiredbylaw.Youmaychoosetoaddvicechair(s)orotherofficers.Parliamentarian,shouldyouchosetohaveone,isaddressedunderArticleXandshouldbeanappointedposition.
ArticleVI:RolesofPrincipalandSACMembersArticleVII:Committees
ArticleVIII:Meetings
Section2.Itisstatelawthatamajorityofthemembershipconstitutesaquorum.MajorityofthemembershipdoesNOTmeanamajorityofthosepresent.Itmeansamajorityof yourmembership.Example:20membersmeansaquorumof11.Keepthisinmind asyousetthenumberofmembersyouwillhaveonyourSAC.If youhaveaverylargeSAC,itmaybehardtogetenoughpeopleinattendancetoachieveaquorum.
Itisalsoimportantthatyoufillanyvacanciesassoonaspossiblesinceitwillaffectyourquorum andthevacanciesMUSTbefilled.
ArticleIX:AmendmentstoBylawsArticleX:RatificationofBylawsArticleXI:ParliamentaryAuthority
APPENDIXC-SACMINUTESTEMPLATEWITHGUIDELINES
NameofSchool
SACMinutes-(Date).
Attendance:
Listmembersand attendees inthis area.(Note:I also havealistofmembersintableformatwithdates ofmeetings, soI simplycheckoff thenameswhich issoquicktoseeifthereis aquorumpresentandto monitorabsences…remember, wehavetomakesuretonotifySAC toreplaceamember ifamember has morethan2consecutiveunexcused absences. This helps with namespellingtoo!)
Callto Order:
A meetingof the _(nameof school)School Advisory Councilwas held inthe (placeofmeeting)ondate . Chairman nameofchairperson calledthemeetingtoorderat time . name will recordminutesforthismeeting.
Minutes:
(Name) motionsto approvetheminutesof (date), withthefollowingcorrections_(detailthecorrections)_. Motionoutcome. Note:nothing isever erasedfromtheminutes.Corrections are made inthemargin and initialed.If wording is tobeexpunged, a lineis drawnthroughthewordsthatareto beexpunged. Crossedoutwordsshouldstillbereadable. Whenminutes areapproved, the word approvedandthesecretary’s initialsand dateoftheapproval arewritten next tothesignatureofthe secretaryOR alinecanbeprovidedatthebottomof thepagethatsays“approval date”.Tocorrect minutespreviously approved requirea 2/3vote(Roberts Rules)Minutesshouldbewritten“promptly” and distributed public as per SunshineLawrequirements.
OldBusiness:GuidelinesforMinutesguidesregardingSunshineLaws
1.Boardmembersarenotprohibited fromusingwritten ballotstocastavoteaslong as thevotes aremadeopenlyatapublic meeting, andtheballotsaremaintained andmadeavailablefor public inspection inaccordancewiththePublic Records Act.Asecretballotviolates the SunshineLaw. (AGO73-264)
2.“Minutesof SunshineLawmeetings need notbeverbatimtranscriptsofthemeetings;rather theuseoftheterm"minutes" inss.286.011, F.S., contemplatesa brief summaryor seriesof brief notesormemorandareflectingtheeventsof themeeting.”
3.“Section286.011(2),Florida Statutes, provides, in part, that:"Theminutesofameetingofany..
. boardor commissionof any. . . stateagencyorauthorityshall bepromptly recorded, andsuch
recordsshall beopento public inspection."
NewBusiness:Howto Write Meeting Minutes
1.Theminutes providea permanentrecord, providea referencetocheckcommitmentsand decisions,and providearecordof results for those whowerenotpresentatthemeeting. Essentialelementsarenoted, such astypeof meeting, nameoftheorganization,dateandtime,
venue, name ofthechair or facilitator,maintopicsandthetimeofadjournment; include approvalof previousminutes, and all resolutions.Takingminutes is notthesameas taking dictation.Recordwhatis done, notwhatissaid.Do notreflectthesecretary’s personalopinion aboutanythingthatissaidor done. SunshineLawrequires “prompt”minutes.Benefitsof promptminutes includeeasier writingoftheminuteswhilememoryisfresh,and it isvery importantin helpingthechair createthenextmeeting agenda.
2.Recordthe motionsmadeandthenamesof people who originatethem.You do notneedto recordthenameofthe“second”tothe motion(Robert’s RulesofOrder)(individual societies independentlymaydecidetorecordsecondstothe motion).Recordwhether motions are adoptedor rejected, how thevoteis taken(byshow of hands, voiceorothermethod). Writethe namesoftheattendeeswhoapproveoropposeeachmotion ifthereis asplitvote. TheSAC maywishto usemotion formstoensureaccurate wordingof allmotions.Refer totheform for specificwordingwhencompletingtheminutes.Donotrecordmotionsthatarewithdrawn, all pointsoforder, and appeals.
3.Attachlong resolutions, reportsorothersupplementarymaterial totheminutesas an appendix.
4.Helpful Hint: Usetheagenda for themeeting as anoutlinesothat youcanjumprighttothe topicwithouta pauseandkepttheorderofminutesalignedtotheagenda.(I will often reformattheagenda toallowplentyof “whiteroom” formy notes…) Useacombinationof outlineformand paragraphs.This helps inexaminationofminutes for approvalatthenext meeting- i.e. under“newbusiness”item1needsthefollowingcorrection….
Reports:
1. ReportName -(Helpful Hint: throughouttheagenda, thechairshould usesuggestedtimelimits for discussion/itemsontheagenda)
OpenAgenda
Helpful Hint:Publicmusthaveanopportunitytoparticipateandthismaybeused for suchor SACmay allowpublic participationthroughoutthemeeting.
Next MeetingDate Time:
Thenextmeetingwill beheldon (dayandtime) inthe (placeof next meeting)
MeetingAdjournment:
Motion:nameof personmakingmotionmotionedtoadjournthe meeting at.Motion carried unanimously.
Submittedby,
NameofRecorder,
NameofPositiononBoard
ApprovalDate:
APPENDIXD-SACAGENDATEMPLATE