Functions And Responsibilities

The local school leadership councils shall consider all points of view and shall solicit the advice and counsel of parent organizations, other employee groups and all other interested parties. The local councils shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

1. Participation in shared decision making training. It is recommended that they participate in training prior to beginning their decision-making.
2. Determination of the following matters:
1. Staff development program
2. Student discipline guidelines and code of student conduct
3. Schedule of school activities and events, and special schedules (e.g., final exam schedules and schedules designed to accommodate additional preparation time for elementary teachers). For purposes of this paragraph, "schedule" shall include, but not be limited to, a determination by the Council of what activities shall take place. The Council shall not have authority over the scheduling of school activities and events mandated by the Board of Education.
4. Guidelines for use of school equipment, including the copy machine
5. The following local budgetary matters:
1. Instructional Material
2. Lottery Funds
3. School-Determined Needs
4. State Textbook and Related Material
5. Year-Round School Incentive Discretionary Funds
6. Student Integration Program Discretionary Funds

In making determinations in the matters listed above, the local school leadership council operates within the same set of powers and constraints as previously applied to the principal. However, future additional District restrictions upon local discretion in the above areas may be imposed only by action of the Board of Education. In addition, all determinations shall be consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. Councils in Alternative Schools shall have the scope of their decision-making determined by the Board policy applicable to their special programs rather than being limited to the above five subject matters.

The focus of local council activity shall be upon establishment of local policy and planning direction rather than day-to-day administration or execution of policy and plans. The local council shall not be obliged to act in the designated areas, and may delegate its authority to existing school committees if it believes they are functioning satisfactorily.