In 1992, the Kansas legislature enacted K.S.A. 72-6439, a state statute that instituted the Quality Performance Accreditation (QPA) system.

This legislation required all schools to establish site councils, composed of the principal, teachers and other school personnel, parents, business representatives, and other representative community groups. Specifically, the site councils were charged with the following responsibilities:

• Providing advice and counsel in evaluating state, school district, and school site performance goals and objectives, and
• Determining the methods that should be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives.

The original purpose of school site councils was to transform schools into effective learning environments by providing school staff and school community members with the authority, flexibility and resources they need to solve educational problems and implement change.

Site councils give ownership to those responsible for carrying out decisions by involving them directly in making the decisions. It also enables the school community to create school conditions that facilitate improvement, innovation and continuous learning.

The ultimate goal of site-based management is to improve the teaching and learning environment for all students.

Purpose

The purpose of the school Site Council is to advise the school on such matters as student learning, education programs, school improvement planning, and accreditation issues. The site council also plays an advocacy role for the school regarding the same issues. Specifically, the purpose is to:

• Provide advice and counsel to the school in developing, implementing, and evaluating school performance goals and objectives, and
• Provide ongoing support for the students and staff of the school.

In addition to the above two purposes, school site councils may:

• Make recommendations regarding budgetary matters for efficient and effective administrative and management functions.
• Assist school boards analyze the unique environment of schools, enhance the efficiency and maximize limited resources.

Membership

The site council consists of at least six to twelve members and includes the principal, teachers, other school personnel, parents of students attending the school, the business community and other community groups

• Membership on the site council is representative of the demography the school serves
• Community membership exceeds school staff membership with special attention given toward underrepresented groups.
• Local school board policies clearly delineate site council member selection, rotation, terms of service, eligibility for service and selection of leadership.

Meetings

• Councils meet at regularly scheduled times agreed upon by site council members.
• Councils meet at least six times annually but optimally once a month during the school year.
• Council agendas include discussion of student learning, educational programs, school improvement planning, and accreditation issues.

Responsibilities of Site Council Members

• The chair, in consultation with the building principal or his or her designee(s), establishes agendas, conducts meetings, and communicates site council advisement.
• Site council members participate in sanctioned school improvement meetings and visits in an advisory capacity.
• Site council members periodically communicate with the school community and, at least annually with the local board, on site council activities and other council matters
• Site council members take part in ongoing training to build their knowledge and skills related to site council work.