What is the School Council and what do we do?

School councils are a structured groups of parents, principals, teachers and community representatives who work together to support and enhance student learning. They provide a way for members of the community to consult with and offer advice to principals and school boards.

The School Council:

• is a bridge between the school and community
• focus on what is best for all students in the school
• consider the interests of all school stakeholders
• develop, maintain and reflect the culture of the school
• represent the parent voice in the school community
• represent Dalhousie School at the CBE’s Council of School Councils (CoSC)
• represent Dalhousie at the Alberta School Councils Association (ASCA)

School councils are legislated under the Education Act and are mandatory for all schools in the public education system, including charter schools. Parents of students enrolled in the school must make up the majority of the school council. School councils may also decide to include one or more parents of children enrolled in an Early Childhood Services (ECS) program at the school or other individuals who have an interest in the school.

School councils have legislated advisory and decision-making authority. They are different from Parent Societies & Associations, whose main function is to raise funds for the school.

You can find more details in the CBE School Council Handbook.

How to engage with your school council?

Contact your school’s principal school council chairperson, trustee or your school authority to learn how to engage with your school council. All parents with a student in the school are eligible to be members of school council.