(a) Membership/functions. Membership of such councils shall be representative of the people to be served. Parent and community involvement does not mean making policy decisions or exercising control in place of certified educators and duly selected boards. Advisory councils are for advice as the name implies, not control, and this Board, as local boards should, too, reaffirms and expects that all such committees or groups will abide by the rules, regulations, and policies of the school district wherein administration, operation, and regulation are functions assigned to professional educators. (b) Selection. Except where specified differently by law, members on advisory councils shall be recommended by the Superintendent or Executive Officer of the Board. Names are usually solicited from subordinate administrators and other knowledgeable leaders. Where special parent advisory councils or other committees are required, this Board expects the law, whether federal or state, to be enforced and the council established. (c) Reimbursement. Advisory council members who are performing substantial and necessary service may be reimbursed for such expenses, according to the State Travel and Reimbursement Act (74-500.1-500.35), State Purchasing Laws (74-85), State Board rules and regulations, and local policies at the district level.

The school establishes relationships with its parents and community that result in a feeling of mutual trust. These relationships are based on open, two-way communication. Parents and the community are involved in developing and monitoring the school’s expected outcomes. The school displays a willingness to respond to the parents and the community; and the community supports the school and its program.

The school shall provide opportunities for both individual parents and for groups of parents and other members of the school community to express their desires, identify their concerns, ask questions, and make suggestions concerning the school and its program.

(a) The local board shall have the responsibility for the operation of the school, and for performance of their powers and duties as specified in statute. [Reference: 70:5-117; SL Section 65 Powers and Duties] (1) The local board shall be responsible for developing and adopting effective policies for the operation of the school(s), which must include those policies required by statute. The staff, students, and community shall be involved in the development of the policies which relate to them. The local board’s policies shall be prepared in printed form and shall be made available to staff, students, and community. [...] (b) The Elementary superintendent will be responsible in an Elementary school district. (2) The superintendent shall be responsible for developing and administering rules and procedures in accord with local board policies for proper operation of the schools. The staff, students, and community shall be involved, when appropriate, in the development of the rules and procedures which relate to them. The superintendent shall keep the local board informed of the status of all aspects of the school’s operation.

(a) The school climate shall be conducive to learning. (b) The school staff shall assess its climate, share the results of the assessment with the staff, and have a plan for maintaining an atmosphere that is responsive to the needs of the students. (c) There shall be activities within the school that provide for and/or facilitate the positive self-esteem of students and staff members. (d) The school shall provide appropriate opportunities for involving students, parents, staff members, and community representatives in decision-making. [Reference: 70:5-117.4; SL Section 68.1 Adoption of Four-Year Improvement Plan by Board of Education] (e) The school shall assist parents in developing those skills and attitudes necessary for helping their children succeed in school. (f) The school shall provide a handbook for students, parents, and teachers which includes information on such matters as homework policies, behavior codes, grading policies, and other kinds of information important to students, parents, guardians, and staff members. The behavior code shall be developed with the appropriate involvement of students, staff, and parents. (g) The school shall provide organizations, activities, and leadership groups that offer opportunities for recognition of student accomplishments. (h) Parents shall receive regular and frequent communication from the school. Other members of the community shall be kept informed about school activities.

Rubric recommends including community members on school decision-making on health and safety policies and programs.