Study Comm Meeting Minutes July 20, 2011

RED Study Committee

Local Control Sub-committee

July 20, 2011

Present: Chris Kapsalis, Mary Catherine Jones, Sue Thibault, Elaine Pinckney

The group reviewed the statutory responsibility, accountability, and authority for the SU board, the local boards, and the superintendent – currently and as a result of Act 153.

The group focused on the implications of a RED merger on “local control” and community connections with the local schools and how Local Community Councils could enhance community partnering. 

Possibility for structure and purpose of Community Councils:

-         Composed of parents and community members

-         Annual meeting to elect a chair (could be multi-year term)

o   Facilitates meetings

o   Attends (or delegates attendance) RED (CVUSD?) meetings and acts as liaison

-         Monthly meetings with set presentations and opportunity for discussion, Q&A etc.

o   Negotiations

o   Policy

o   Budget (budget buddies?)

o   Curriculum and Program

o   School Climate

Some things to think about:

-         Ownership of schools – what does it really mean? How can we help people feel comfortable about change of ownership?

-         Data disaggregation – how do continue to focus on needs of individual schools?

-         What role would principals have at the Local Community Councils?