It seems like a good time to try to clear up some of the confusion. Because they both have so much to do with your children's experience at Brackett, it is important to understand the distinctions. School Council was brought about by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993. This law required that all schools establish a School Council consisting of the school principal, parents, teachers, and community members. Their primary function was to to serve in an advisory capacity to the principal, i.e., a sort of steering committee.
Teachers elect their own representatives, and the principal appoints the community representatives.
I like the image of the steering committee because it conjures up a picture of the crew of a space ship. We are on a very important mission to the future, and the School Improvement Plan is our map. The School Council's job is to set goals and review the school budget. These goals, which are consistent with local and statewide policies and standards, are to identify specific educational needs of Brackett students. The results of this strategic planning process is the School Improvement Plan, which is submitted annually to the Arlington School committee for approval.