School Site Council

The Role of the School Site Council

The School Site Council is an elected group of parents, teachers, and other school staff who work with the principal to develop, review, and evaluate the School Improvement Plan (SIP). The council sets the budget and allocates funds to implement the School Improvement Plan. Behind the creation of the School Site Council is the belief that those involved with schools and students on a day-to-day basis can often make the best decisions about the improvement of the school and its programs. The Council meets on a monthly basis throughout the school year. Members typically serve a two-year term.

Funding to support School Improvement Plan programs is provided by the state and is limited. How a council operates and allocates its funds varies greatly from school to school. Some councils might use funds to develop a new math program, while others may hire a reading specialist or a foreign language teacher. School Improvement monies fund staff development expenses and are used to purchase instructional materials.

Programs supported by the Saratoga School Site Council have included Oak Street Buddies (providing tutorial help to students), Noon League (promoting a positive, supportive playground environment), instructional aides, a science aide, classroom enrichment centers, staff development, and instructional materials.

Saratoga SSC sponsors events throughout the school year including Character Counts! Week, Visitation Day, Young Author’s Faire, and visiting authors.

Members of SSC attend various district-wide task force meetings to represent the school and provide input to the school board. These meetings also offer an opportunity to meet and share ideas with parents and teachers from other schools in the district.

Revised 9/05