Georgia's A+ Education Reform Act of 2000 required that school councils be established at every public school by October 1, 2003. School councils are policy-level advisory bodies to the Principal, Superintendent, and local board of education. They may advise and make recommendations on any matter related to school improvement and student achievement. The purpose of school councils is to "bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to solve difficult education problems, improve academic achievement, provide support for teachers and administrators, and bring parents into the school-based decision-making process."
School Council Members
The 2007 General Assembly made changes to the school council law that requires parents to be the majority members. It still, however, allows flexibility in the membership of a school council. At a minimum, a School Council is composed of seven members:The Principal, Two certificated teachers elected by the teachers, Four parents (or guardians) elected by the parents; two of the parents must be businesspersons and two businesspersons, selected according to the school council's bylaws.
All members of the School Council must:
-Maintain a school-wide perspective on issues
-Regularly participate in council meetings
-Participate in information and training programs
-Act as a link between the school council and the community
-Encourage the participation of parents and others within the school community
-Work to improve student achievement and performance
If you are interested in being a part of the Garrett Elementary School Council, please contact the school administrator.