Schoolsite Council

The Role of the Schoolsite Council | Schoolsite Council Composition | Modified Schoolsite Council Composition | Schoolsite Council Composition Waiver | Schoolsite Council Meeting Requirements | Retention Requirements for Schoolsite Council Records | Resources | Frequently Asked Questions

The Role of the Schoolsite Council

A school that operates a categorical program funded through the consolidated application (ConApp) is required to establish a schoolsite council (SSC) if such program requires a School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) (California Education Code [EC] Section 65000[b]).

The SSC is required to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, including an analysis of verifiable state and local data, provide recommendations related to the school’s Title I program, and participate in the development and approval of the school’s SPSA. The SPSA is a strategic plan that outlines specific and measurable goals at the school site with the intention of increasing student achievement. The SPSA should align with the local educational agency’s (LEA’s) Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) process as they both help support continuous cycles of action, reflection, and improvement.

For more information on the LCAP and SPSA development, please visit the Planning for the LCAP and School Plan web page.

Schoolsite Council Responsibilities

The SSC develops the content of the SPSA (EC Section 64001[g][1]). The SPSA, including proposed expenditure of funds allocated to the school through the ConApp and the LCAP, if any, must be reviewed and updated annually by the SSC (EC Section 64001[i]). This includes at a minimum, the SSC must:

• Develop and approve the SPSA, including the proposed expenditures of funds. The SPSA must align with the needs identified through the school’s comprehensive needs assessment and the goals identified by the SSC and must adhere to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The SPSA must include funds based on projected allocations from federal funds, and may also include other state or local funds allocated to the school to support student achievement. Proposed expenditures include planned spending and costs needed to implement the strategies/services in the SPSA.
• Recommend the SPSA, including proposed expenditures of funds, to the LEA’s local governing board or body for approval.
• Provide ongoing review throughout the school year of the implementation of the strategies/services in the SPSA to ensure the plan is being carried out to address the needs of the school and its students.
• Make modifications to the SPSA, if a need arises. The SSC will submit the modified SPSA to the local governing board/body for approval whenever a material change (as defined in local governing board policy) is made to planned activities or related expenditures.
• Annually evaluate the progress made toward the school’s goals to increase the academic achievement of all students. This includes reviewing and analyzing established metrics, baseline data, and desired outcomes in the SPSA to ensure continuous improvement of students in the schoolwide program.
• Perform all other duties assigned to the SSC by the local governing board or body of the LEA and by state law. As each school has their own unique needs and student populations, the SSC must ensure this is considered within their duties and responsibilities.

The SPSA must be reviewed and approved by the governing board or body of the LEA at a regularly scheduled meeting whenever there are material changes that affect the academic programs for student. (EC Section 64001[i]). If the SPSA is not approved by the governing board or body of the LEA, specific reasons must be communicated to the SSC (EC Section 64001[i]).

Within the ConApp, the LEA must ensure the SPSA meets the requirements, and that the SSC has developed and approved the SPSA for each school participating in programs funded through the ConApp. It is also required that SPSAs were developed with the review, certification, and advice of the school English learner advisory committee (ELAC), if required (EC Section 64001[c]).

For more information on the SPSA template and instructions, please visit the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) web page.

Schoolsite Council Composition

The members of the SSC represent the composition of school’s student population and notwithstanding the size of the school. The composition of the SSC must have an equal number of members between the school staff members and parent/community/student members with a minimum of 10 members; five school members and five parent/community/student members. Additionally, for the school staff members, the classroom teachers must be in the majority. (EC Section 65000[a]).

The SSC in an elementary school must be composed of the both of the following two groups; school staff and parent and/or community members (EC Section 65000[c][1]):

School Group Members (Elementary Schools):

• The principal of the school or their designee;
• School personnel employed at the school who are not teachers, selected by school personnel employed at the school who are not teachers; and
• Classroom teachers employed at the school, selected by classroom teachers employed at the school; The classroom teachers selected shall constitute a majority of the school members selected (EC Section 65000[c][1][A]); and

Parent and/or Community Group Members (Elementary Schools):

• Parents of students attending the school, or other members of the school community, selected by parents of students attending the school. The number of parent and/or community members selected must equal the number of the school staff members selected (EC Section 65000[c][1][B]).

In other words, the minimum number of SSC members at an elementary school is a total of 10 (e.g. one principal or their designee, one other school personnel, three classroom teachers, and five parent/community members).

The SSC in a secondary school shall be composed of the following two groups (EC Section 65000[c][2]):

School Group Members (Secondary Schools):

• The principal of the school or their designee;
• School personnel employed at the school who are not teachers, selected by school personnel employed at the school who are not teachers; and
• Classroom teachers employed at the school, selected by classroom teachers employed at the school. The classroom teachers selected must make up a majority of the school members selected (EC Section 65000[c][2][A]); and

Parent and/or Community and Pupil Group Members (Secondary Schools):

• Parents of students attending the school, or other members of the school community, selected by parents of students attending the school; and students attending the school, selected by students who are attending the school. The number of parent and/or community members and student members selected shall equal the number of school members selected (EC Section 65000[c][2][B]).

In other words, the minimum number of SSC members at a secondary school is a total of 10 (e.g. one principal or his or her designee, one other school personnel, three classroom teachers, and five parent/community and student members).

If a parent or guardian is employed at another school other than the one their student attends, they are not disqualified by this employment from serving as a parent representative on the SSC (EC Section 65000[d]). Therefore, the parent or guardian is allowed to serve as a parent representative on the SSC for the school that their student attends, if selected.

Modified Schoolsite Council Compositions

Reduced SSC are allowed for schools with fewer than 300 students, and schools with shared a common site administrator. This flexibility is allowed if the SSC meet the following requirements.

Schoolsite Council Composition for Schools with Fewer than 300 Pupils

A school with a population of fewer than 300 pupils may operate a SSC that has the representation of all of the following:

• One principal
• One teacher, selected by the teachers
• One school staff member representing the other school personnel, selected by the other school personnel
• If the school is an elementary school, three parents or community members selected by parents, or if the school is a secondary school, two parents or community members selected by parents and one student selected by the students (EC Section 65001[d][1])

The minimum number of SSC members for schools with fewer than 300 pupils is a total of six (e.g. one principal, one teacher, one school staff, three parents/community members or students). To operate an SSC with a reduced-member composition, the local governing board or body of the LEA must receive approval from its local bargaining unit, as applicable (EC Section 65001[d][2]).

Shared Schoolsite Council

Schools with a common site administration may operate a shared SSC if the school site has a pupil population of less than 300 (EC Section 65001[a]); or

Up to three schools with a combined student population of less than 1,000 may operate a shared SSC if the schools have at least one of the following characteristics: a shared campus or geographic proximity to one another with similar student populations (EC Section 65001[b]).

The composition of the shared SSC must have representation from school staff and parents and/or community members with a minimum of 10 members with equal representation between each group (EC Section 65000[c]).

Table 1: Elementary school SSCs must have a minimum of 10 members; one principal or their designee, three classroom teachers, one other school personnel, and five parent and/or community members.

*A secondary school’s SSC must include at least one parent/community member and one student; the composition of the remaining parent/community/student members is determined locally.

Schoolsite Council Composition Waiver

The California State Board of Education (SBE) may grant an SSC waiver of any provision in EC sections 65000–65001 to an LEA. The local governing board or body of the LEA may request the SBE waive the SSC composition requirement for the school (EC Section 65001[e]).

To submit an SSC Waiver request and for more information, please visit the Waivers Office web page.

Schoolsite Council Meeting Requirements

Any meeting held by the SSC must follow the Greene Act requirements that includes:

• Posting the notice of meeting at the schoolsite, or other appropriate place accessible to the public, at least 72 hours before the time set for the meeting. The notice must specify the date, time, and location of the meeting and contain an agenda describing each item of business to be discussed or acted upon (EC Section 35147[c][1]).
• Being open to the public and allow for any member of the public to address the SSC during the meeting on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the SSC. The SSC may not take any action on any item of business unless that item appeared on the posted agenda or unless the SSC members present, by unanimous vote, find that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the SSC subsequent to the posting of the agenda (EC Section 35147[c][1]).
• Allowing for questions or brief statements made at a meeting by members of the SSC or public that do not have a significant effect on students or employees in the school or school district, or that can be resolved solely by the provision of information, need not be described on an agenda as items of business. If the SSC violates the procedural meeting requirements of this section, upon demand of any person, the SSC must reconsider the item at its next meeting, after allowing for public input on the item (EC Section 35147[c][2]).
• Providing upon request any meeting materials to any member of the public pursuant to the California Public Records Act (EC Section 35147[d]).

Retention Requirements for Schoolsite Council Records

SSC records, materials, and supporting documents must be retained for a period of three years (2 Code of Federal Regulations 200.333[a]). The only exceptions are if any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.

Resources

California Education Code

Code of Federal Regulations

SSC Operation Guide (DOCX)

SSC Composition Requirement (DOCX)

SSC Frequently Asked Questions

Composition Requirements

Who is required to be on the SSC?

The SSC must be composed of a minimum of 10 members with equal representation between school staff and parent/community/student members (EC Section 65000[c]). Additionally, for the school members, the classroom teachers must be in the majority. This 10-member composition depends on the type of school.

Elementary school SSCs must have a minimum of 10 members

• Five school staff members: one principal (or their designee), three classroom teachers, and one other school personnel.
• Five parent and/or community members

Secondary school SSCs must have a minimum of 10 members

• Five school staff members: one principal (or their designee), three classroom teachers, and one other school personnel.
• Five parent/community/student members*

*A secondary school’s SSC must include at least one parent/community member and one student; the composition of the remaining parent/community/student members is determined locally.

What should the school do if it is not able to meet the minimum SSC composition requirements?

If the school is not able to meet the minimum SSC composition requirements, the local governing board or body of the LEA may request that the SBE waive SSC composition requirements for the school (EC Section 65001[e]). For more information on how to submit an SSC waiver request, please visit the Waiver Office web page.

May an SSC operate with less than 10 members without needing an SSC waiver?

Reduced SSC membership is allowed without an SSC waiver, but only for a school with fewer than 300 students (EC Section 65001[d][1]).

The minimum requirement for this reduced SSC membership is a total of six members.

• Three school staff members: one principal, one teacher, one school staff
• Three parent/community/student
  • For elementary schools, the three must be parents/community members.
  • For secondary schools, the three must include two parents/community members and one student member.

Prior to operating a reduced-member SSC, the local governing board or body of the LEA must obtain approval from the LEAs local bargaining unit(s), as applicable (EC Section 65001[d][2]).

Are there any instances where schools may operate a shared SSC without needing an SSC waiver?

Yes, but only under the following circumstances:

1. Schools with a common site administration may operate a shared SSC if the school site has fewer than 300 students (EC Section 65001[a]); or
2. Up to three schools with a combined enrollment of less than 1000 students may operate a shared SSC if the schools either share a campus or are in geographic proximity to one another (EC Section 65001[b]).

When operating a shared SSC, the minimum 10-member SSC composition requirements must be met, as applicable to the type of schools sharing an SSC (EC Section 65001[c]).

How are SSC members selected?

Aside from the principal or their designee, members of the SSC are selected by their peers. This means that the classroom teacher members are selected by the classroom teachers, the other school staff member is selected by the other school staff, parent/community members are selected by the parents, and student members are selected by the students, as applicable.

Statute does not have additional requirements for how the peer selection process must occur (i.e., there are not specific election requirements or methods that must be implemented). Additional requirements may be established through local bylaws, as applicable.

Is there a term limit for SSC membership?

Statute does not define a specific term limit for SSC members. Term limits may be established through local bylaws, as applicable.

Roles and Responsibilities

What schools are required to have an SSC?

Any school that is required to develop a SPSA (EC Section 64001[g][1]) must also compose an SSC in accordance with the composition requirements in EC sections 65000 or 65001, as applicable.

What are the roles and responsibilities of the SSC members?

An SSC is established to develop the SPSA (EC Section 64001[g][1]).

The purpose of the SSC is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, including an analysis of verifiable state and local data, provide recommendations related to the school’s Title I program, and participate in the development and approval of the school’s SPSA. At a minimum, the SSC must:

• Develop and approve the SPSA, including the proposed expenditures of funds. The SPSA must align with the needs identified through the school’s comprehensive needs assessment and the goals identified by the SSC and must adhere to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. At a minimum, the SPSA must include funds based on projected allocations from federal funds. The SPSA may also include other state or local funds allocated to the school to support student achievement. Proposed expenditures include planned spending and costs needed to implement the strategies/services in the SPSA.
• Recommend the SPSA, including proposed expenditures of funds, to the LEA’s local governing board or body for approval.
• Provide ongoing review throughout the school year of the implementation of the strategies/services in the SPSA to ensure the plan is being carried out to address the needs of the school and its students.
• Make modifications to the SPSA, if a need arises. The SSC will submit the modified SPSA to the local governing board/body for approval whenever a material change (as defined in local governing board policy) is made to planned activities or related expenditures. 
• Annually evaluate the progress made toward the school’s goals to increase the academic achievement of all students. This includes reviewing and analyzing established metrics, baseline data, and desired outcomes in the SPSA to ensure continuous improvement of students in the schoolwide program.
• Perform all other duties assigned to the SSC by the local governing board or body of the LEA and by state law. As each school has their own unique needs and student populations, the SSC must ensure this is considered within their duties and responsibilities.

Meeting Requirements

Are there specific meeting requirements for the SSC?

Yes. SSC meetings must follow the Greene Act, which requires SSC meetings to be open to the public and allow for any member of the public to address the SSC during the meeting on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the SSC. Additionally, SSC meeting agendas must be posted at least 72 hours before each meeting and include the date, time, and location of the meeting, as well as a description of each item of business to be discussed or acted upon (EC Section 35147).

What is considered a quorum for the SSC?

A quorum is defined as a majority of the membership present. This number is half the SSC membership plus one. The SSC membership must meet the composition requirements with a minimum of 10 members with equal representation between school staff members and parent/community/student members. (EC Section 65000[c]). Statute does not have additional requirements for this quorum. Additional requirements may be established through local bylaws, as applicable.

May SSC meetings be held virtually?

Yes. SSC meetings may be conducted remotely via any virtual platform accessible on participants' mobile phones, tablets, and/or computers in any manner that complies with the requirements of Greene Act (EC Section 35147), which includes the flexibility of meeting either virtually or in person.

How many SSC meetings must be held each year?

Statute does not mandate a minimum number of SSC meetings. As long as the SSC completes its legally required responsibilities annually, the number of SSC meetings held each year may be determined locally.