AP 124: Council of School Councils
Administration of Policy and Legislation
Background
A Council of School Councils (COSC) provides an opportunity for the Division’s school council membership to meet and share strategies and experiences. The COSC enables effective communication among the School Councils, the Board, the Superintendent and the community.
Procedures
1. The Board and Superintendent shall support the annual establishment of a Council of School Councils (COSC).
2. An Organizational Meeting of COSC shall be held during the month of October at the Centre for Education, to ensure that individual schools have had sufficient time to elect their School Councils.
3. Meeting dates shall be set at the Organizational Meeting in consultation with the COSC chair and the Superintendent or designate.
4. The COSC shall meet at a minimum of five (5) times per year.
5. Each School Council within the Division shall be a member of COSC.
Purpose
6. The COSC exists to improve School Council knowledge and operations; specifically, the COSC shall:
6.1. Provide opportunities for School Councils to share matters of philosophy, policies and procedures relative to education;
6.2. Provide parents, staff and interested community members a vehicle through which to discuss significant matters relating to student learning;
6.3. Advise the Board regarding matters of common interest;
6.4. Enhance parental engagement through learning opportunities;
6.5. Share resources and information across School Councils; and
6.6. Develop meaningful connections between School Council Chairs and staff.
COSC Membership
7. Trustees, the Superintendent or designate, and school administrators shall be invitees to COSC meetings;
7.1. The participation of Trustees and the Superintendent or designate(s) exists to support and to provide information.
8. The membership of COSC shall choose a Chair, Vice-Chair, and other officers as needed at their annual Organizational Meeting.
9. The Chair shall:
9.1. Establish meeting agendas;
9.2. Communicate with the Superintendent or designate and the Trustee representative;
9.3. Forward agenda to the Superintendent’s office one (1) week prior to each meeting;
9.4. Facilitate the COSC meeting; and
9.5. Act as a spokesperson for the COSC.
10. The Vice-Chair shall assume the role of the Chair in the Chair’s absence.
11. The Superintendent shall provide a recording secretary for each COSC meeting; notably,
11.1. The Recording Secretary shall coordinate meeting arrangements and distribute the agenda not less than three days prior to the meeting;
11.1.1. A reminder email shall be sent to School Councils, the Board, and the Superintendent or designate at least one (1) week prior to the deadline; and
11.1.2. The approved agenda shall confirm the location for the meeting.
11.2. The Recording Secretary shall ensure the proper room setup for the meeting;
11.3. The Recording Secretary shall ensure the recordings of the minutes of all COSC meetings and disburse these minutes to all COSC members in a timely fashion;
11.4. The Recording Secretary shall ensure copies of agendas and minutes are kept at Division Office for future reference.
COSC Meetings
12. The COSC meetings may include the following items:
12.1. A Board report;
12.2. A Division Office report;
12.3. A Principal summary report;
12.4. Round table discussion of each School Council, (limited to their top two (2) items);
12.5. Emerging issues from School Council Chairs and meeting invitees;
12.6. Policy discussion;
12.7. Relevant Alberta Education news;
12.8. Provincial perspective from Alberta School Councils Association; and
12.9. Educational Plan perspectives for the Division.
13. Anyone bringing forth an agenda item must provide a summary or background to the COSC Chair, and the COSC Chair shall follow-up with an email or telephone call to clarify the matter.
14. The COSC Chair shall discuss agenda items with the Superintendent or designate prior to the meeting.
Approved:
