School Councils
The School Parent Council
All schools should have a School Parent Council (SPC). The SPC brings all parents in the school community together to support the school and advocate for quality education.
Every parent or guardian of a BPS student is automatically a member of the School Parent Council. The SPC works closely with the School Site Council to review the school’s budget, recommend programs, sponsor events, solve problems, and raise funds for special school activities.
If your school does not have an active School Parent Council, contact the School, Family & Community Engagement Unit of the Office of Family & Student Engagement, 617-635-7750, for assistance and support.
The School Site Council
Many decisions affecting the education of BPS students are made in schools. School-based decision-making is the responsibility of the School Site Council. For example, School Site Councils hire teachers (in some cases), approve school rules, and decide if students will wear uniforms. The School Site Council also may request waivers from some BPS policies. Parents are important members of these councils.
The Personnel Subcommittee of the School Site Council approves the hiring and in-transfers of teachers. It must include one parent member.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education: Q&A about School Councils
Budget Basics for the School Site Council
Frequently Asked Questions about the Budget Process for School Site Councils
