School Council.

Functions of a School Council.

The functions of a school council are specified in the Act (2.3.5) and include:

• establishing the broad direction and vision of the school within the school’s community participating in the development, monitoring and endorsement of the School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan
• approving the annual budget and monitoring expenditure developing, reviewing or updating school policies as required by law or DET policy
• raising funds for school-related purposes maintaining the school’s grounds and buildings providing the cleaning and sanitary services that are necessary for the school
• ensuring that all money coming into the council is used for proper purposes relating to the school
• the provision of meals and refreshments for the staff and students of the school and charging for those meals or refreshments entering into contracts (such as for cleaning in regional schools or construction work)
• reporting annually to the school community and to the Department creating interest in the school in the wider community taking into account the views of the community
• regulating and facilitating the after hours use of school premises and grounds
• making provision for a preschool program at the school or other premises controlled by the Minister.

School council may also be involved in the school principal selection process. When this occurs, a panel of councillors and Department staff is formed to review applications, interview shortlisted applicants and recommend one or more applicants to the Secretary of the Department. The Department’s regional office staff are also involved and principal selection panel members are provided with principal selection panel training. The school council president, on request from the Regional Director, provides input to principal contract renewal discussions. The president advises the school council of that input at the next school council meeting.

 

What school council is not authorised to do.

A school council is not authorised to: purchase or acquire for consideration any land or buildings; employ teachers with no fixed date for the termination of that employment. Unless authorised by or under the Act, Regulations or a Ministerial Order, a school council is not able to: licence or grant any interest in land including school lands or buildings; purchase a motor vehicle, boat or plane for the school; enter into hire purchase agreements for the school; obtain credit facilities or loans on behalf of the school; form or become a member of a corporation; provide for any matter or thing outside of Victoria unless it is related to an excursion by school students or the professional development of school staff.