Lester B. Pearson Public School
School Council Constitution 2018 / 2019
Article 1: Name and Address, Mission and Objectives
The organization will be known as “LBP school council”. The members of the school council shall be responsible for maintaining the constitution.
LBP
15 Odin Crescent
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 3T3
905-841-3030
Mission Statement
Our school council is a partnership of parents, staff, community and students. Its’ goal is to actively promote a positive, inclusive, fair and kind learning environment in both official languages, which will enhance the quality of the students’ education. In doing so, we will further the mandate of our school Touchstone and the values it represents.
Purpose and Objectives
- Encourage effective parental involvement in the education of their children.
- Provide a means for regular communication and dialogue between all partners in education.
- Participate in the school improvement planning process.
- Provide meaningful consultation and extensive involvement of all members of the school community.
- Foster parental and community involvement in education.
- Encourage meaningful involvement of all members of the school community in support of student learning.
- Provide input into decisions made by the school administration, the Board and the Ministry.
- Encourage effective parental involvement by focusing on the following areas: parenting skills, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making a and collaborating with community.
- Help to co-ordinate the services for school, family and community partnerships related to social, health, recreational and nutrition programs that assist in the education of children.
- Facilitate the building of a viable school community, which works together in the
Article 2: Procedures and Operating Guidelines
The operational procedures of this council are outlined in the YRDSB Policy and Procedure #262, available on the Board’s website. All recommendations and activities of the Council shall comply with all Ministry of Education Acts, York Region District School Board Policies and Procedures and Staff Collective Agreements.
Article 3: Membership
3.1: Number of Parent Members
The number of parents on the school council will be a minimum of 6. The number of parents on the school council will be a maximum of 12.
3.2 Number of Community Representatives
The number of community representatives will be no greater than 1.
Article 4: Elections
4.1 Acclamations
Parent elections shall be by acclamation when the number of candidates is equal to, or less
4.2 Election Procedures for Parent Members
- Each parent/guardian seeking election must be nominated or self-nominated in writing, must have a child registered at the school, and must declare if he or she is employed by the Board.
- Each parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school shall be entitled to one vote for each vacant parent/guardian membership position on the council.
4.3 Terms of Office
Elected and appointed members serve 1 term of office (calendar school year) but may serve up to a maximum of 3 terms if elected in future calendar years in the same role.
4.4 Vacancies in Membership
- A vacancy in the membership of a school council does not prevent the council from exercising its’ authority.
- If positions remain vacant, after the election, the council may appoint parent members.
- Positions that become vacant due to resignation or removal shall be filled as soon as possible by offering the person with the next highest number of votes, the opportunity to accept the position. When there are no more candidates available, council may appoint parent members.
Article 5: The Executive
5.1 The Chair
Option 1
At the first meeting after the elections
5.2 Other Officers
At the first meeting of the school year, the council will elect a secretary and treasurer.
5.3: Vacancies in Office
Officer vacancies will be filled as soon as possible according to Article 5.1 and 5.2.
Article 6: Sub-Committees
At the first meeting of the school year, the following sub-committees may be formed to conduct more in-depth work or to make recommendations to the council:
- Communications (School Council monthly newsletter and parent communications)
- Fundraising (QSP, Pizza lunch and other) Lunch Clubs (Oversee the management of all S.C. lunch clubs and club proposals)
- Volunteer (Maintain and communicate with database of parent volunteers, recruit volunteers)
- Cultural (Oversee the management of all S.C. funded cultural events and event proposals)
- Athletics (Oversee the management of S.C. funded athletic activities and athletic proposals)
Additional sub-committees will be formed as the need arises.
Sub-committees must include at least one parent member of council and may include persons who are not members of the school council
7.1 Conflict of Interest
If individual council members perceive themselves to be in conflict of interest, they are honour bound to declare their conflict at the earliest possible opportunity and at the time of the meeting, so the minutes may reflect this declaration.
7.2 Conflict Resolution
The council will undertake to resolve all internal conflicts within its’ mandate in a timely manner.
Article 8: Constitutional Amendments
Constitutional amendments need a 2 / 3 majority to be passed.