November 17, 2011; Reviewed and Revised: April 13, 2015; October 5, 2016
Article 1: Name and Address
The organization will be known as Pierre Berton public school council. The members of the School council shall be responsible for maintaining the constitution.
Pierre Berton Public School
470 Via Campanile
Vaughan, Ontario
L4H 0X9
905-303-4540
Article 2: Mission Statement
Our school council is a collaborative and co-operative body whose mission is to facilitate a partnership between members of the school community to achieve the highest possible standards of education in an inviting and wholesome environment with a shared sense of responsibility and accountability
Article 3: Purpose and Objectives
- Encourage effective parental involvement in the education of their children.
- Encourage meaningful involvement of all members of the school community in support of student learning.
- Provide a means for regular communication and dialogue between all partners in education.
- Facilitate the building of a supportive, equitable and inclusive school community, which works together in the best interests of our students and their education.
- Nurture a sense of respect for the environment and community in which we live.
Article 4: Procedures and Operating Guidelines
The operational procedures of this council are outlined in YRDSB Procedure #262, see Appendix 1. 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 5: Membership
There shall be no more than one member on the school council from any one household.
5.1: Number of Parent Members
The number of parents on the school council will be 12.
5.2: Number of Community Representatives
The number of community representatives will be 2.
5.3: Student Members
The number of student members will be 2.
5.4: Other Members
Other members such as teacher representative and support staff representative shall be elected/appointed in accordance with YRDSB Policy #262.
- Teacher member
- Support staff
- Principal / Vice Principal
Article 6: Elections
6.1: Acclamations
Parent elections shall be by acclamation when the number of candidates is equal to, or less than the number of parent member positions on the council.
6.2: 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.
Elections must be held during the first 30 calendar days of each school year.
Public notice must be given 14 days before the election, specifying date, time, and location.
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.
Only release the names of successful candidates. A list of candidates and the vote results will be kept on file for use in the event of vacancy on the council.
Shall notify all individuals standing for election of the results before the results are released to the school community.
6.3: Terms of Office
Elected and appointed members may seek additional terms of office.
6.4: Vacancies in Membership
A vacancy in the membership of a school council does not prevent the council from exercising its authority.
If parent member positions become vacant on council, the position will be left open until the next election.
6.5: Resignations
Anyone who is a council member, except the principal, may resign their position by writing a letter of resignation to the chair/co-chairs.
6.6: Removal
The council may choose to remove from council any member who misses 2 consecutive meetings.
Article 7: Executive
7.1: Chair/Co-Chair
- At the first meeting after the elections, council will elect a chair or co-chairs.
- An employee of the Board cannot be chair.
7.2: Other Officers
- At the first meeting of the school year, the council will elect or appoint the following officers:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
7.3: Vacancies in Office
- The position will be filled with the current existing members of the council.
Article 8: Sub-Committees
8.1: Establishment
At the first meeting of the school year, sub-committees may be formed to:
- Conduct more detailed or in-depth work than is possible during council meetings.
- Make recommendations to the council.
- Keep the council informed of issues and developments in its particular area.
- Additional sub-committees will be formed by council as the need arises.
8.2: Sub-Committee Membership
- Each sub-committee must contain at least one parent member of council.
- Persons who are not members of council may be members of sub-committees.
8.3: Chairs of Sub-Committees
Each sub-committee must have a parent member as chair.
Article 9: Meetings
Section 9.1: Timetable of Meetings
- At the first meeting of the new school year, a timetable will be created which states the meeting dates agreed to for that school year. Minimum of 4 meeting dates.
- A copy of these dates and times will be included in communication(s) to the families of the school.
- It is recognized that the timetable may change at any time.
- A copy of the list of dates and times of meetings will be sent to the local trustee.
Section 9.2: Quorum
A meeting will have quorum if:
- The majority of council members are present AND the majority of those present are parents.
- A meeting of council can be held if there is no quorum but all voting will be deferred.
Section 9.3: Decision-Making
The preferred method to resolve issues on council is by consensus. Consensus is a collective opinion or general agreement by ALL the council members.
In the case where a decision cannot be reached through consensus, the chair may decide on one of the following:
- To have a vote by way of a show of hands or a silent vote by those present in which a 51% majority shall carry the vote.
Section 9.4: 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.
- Council members cannot receive any remuneration for their work as a member of council.
Section 9.5: Conflict Resolution
The council will undertake to resolve all internal conflicts within its mandate in a timely manner.
The council will abide by any conflict resolution policy issued by the Board.
Article 10: Agendas and Minutes
10.1: Agendas
- Agenda items should be submitted to the chair / co-chair one week prior to the council’s next meeting.
- The chair / co-chair will set the agenda with the principal, prior to the meeting
10.2: Minutes
- Minutes shall be posted in the school prior to the next meeting of the council.
- The minutes shall include motions, decisions and actions to be taken.
Article 11: School constitution
The school constitution will be reviewed on a yearly basis