Members of the council elect a chairperson from among its members. It is recommended that the principal decline to stand for election to the chairmanship. Legislation was passed in December 1996. According to legislation, all schools must have a school council in place by September 30, 1997. The principal of the school is responsible for establishment of the council.
Any training is to be provided by the school board.
The Department of Education has in the past provided facilitator training sessions for school board and school personnel across the province and the school boards are expected to utilize these facilitators. School Councils must negotiate a Protocol Agreement with their Board establishing their role and responsibilities. These responsibilities must include those defined in legislation and may include other responsibilities that the Council wishes to assume and the Board wishes to devolve to the school level. The purpose of a school council is to develop, encourage and promote policies, practices and activities to enhance the quality of school programs and the levels of student achievement in the school. Committees draw on parents and teachers not on council and are vital to effective decision making.