Newton North School Council By-Laws
1. Role of Newton North School Council - Purpose & Responsibilities
The Newton North School Council is a representative school building-based governance body composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members and students. Its by-laws shall be in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C
The primary responsibilities of the Newton North school council are:
2. Membership and Tenure of the School Council
The composition of each school’s council is up to the discretion of the principal of that school. As such the Newton North School Council consists of the following voting members:
Principal
Parent Representatives
Teacher Representative
Community Representative
Student Representatives
PTSO Representatives
3. Elections
Elections for Parent Representatives
Parent Representatives are selected through an open election process conducted by the Newton North PTSO. Elections take place in the spring for any vacant positions commencing at the start of the new school year. Any parent of a Newton North student who fulfills the candidacy requirements set out in Section 2 can apply. The Newton North PTSO will advertise these positions and how to apply both on their website and in their general communications. In order to appear on the ballot candidates are require to submit a brief statement (100 words or less) by the advertised deadline.
The statement should address the following:
Elections for Teacher Representatives
See information for teacher representatives above.
Elections for Student Representatives
See information for student representatives above.
4. Meetings
Logistics
The Newton North school council meets each month during the academic school year September through June. The calendar for the upcoming academic school year is set by the NNHS Principal before the conclusion of the previous school year to facilitate planning & to ensure maximum attendance of all of the School Council members. All meetings will be held in Newton North High School, generally in Room 103. This schedule is then posted on the School Council website as detailed in section 6 of the by-laws.
Changes to these meetings are at the discretion of the NNHS Principal & will be notified in accordance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993.
In addition, special meetings may be called by agreement between the School Council Co-chairs.
Open Meeting Requirements & Public Comment
School Council meetings, as mandated by the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, are open to the public who can attend and speak before the Council regarding school-wide issues only.
Provision is made at the beginning of each School Council meeting to hear public comment only when the following procedures are adhered to:
Documentation
In accordance with running an open meeting, the agenda will identify the date, time and place of the meeting and will be posted on the NNHS and the PTSO website at least 48 hours in advance. To promote member efficiency a summary of action points resulting from the meeting and any still outstanding will be issued only to school council members as soon as possible. Minutes of each meeting will be produced which are then posted as identified in section 6 of the by-laws.
Attendance
Attendance at school council meetings is mandatory for all school council members. The Principal may remove a representative who misses 3 full School Council meetings during the school year from the council.
New members once elected in the spring will be expected to attend and observe all remaining meetings in the school calendar pror to taking up their positions in the Fall to ensure they are as familiar as possible with the work of the School Council .
Absences should be reported to the parent representative co-chair as soon as practically possible however it is expected that even an absent member should execute their meeting responsibilities, as identified in section 5 of the by-laws.
5. Voting
Each member, as defined in section 2, who is present at the meeting is entitled to one vote. Proxy or absentee votes are not accepted. The NNHS Principal will have the final say on each vote. An 'alternate', while they are encouraged to attend School Council meetings, will have influence or voting priviledges over School Council business in that role.
It is the intention of the School Council to whenever possible reach decisions through consensus. In the event that is not possible decisions will be passed based upon a majority rule.
In the event of any vote seeking to change or amend the Newton North School Councils by-laws it will be necessary for the meeting to adhere to a quorum, defined here as 75% of the School Council members being in attendance at that meeting.
6. School Council Member Responsibilities
Leadership
The NNHS Principal and a parent representative, selected by the school council, will lead the School Council as co-chairs. The parent representative will serve as co-chair for the remainder of their elected term and shall work closely with the principal to maximize the productivity of the school council. The co-chairs are responsible to ensure the school council meetings conform to open meeting requirements. The parent co-chair is to co-ordinate with the principal to set and issue the agenda at least 48 hours before the meeting. The parent co-chair will run the school council meetings to ensure all members have a fair and equitable chance to participate.
To promote member efficiency the parent co-chair will issue to school council members only a summary of action points resulting from the meeting and any still outstanding as soon as possible. Minutes of each meeting will then be produced by the parent co-chair and then will also be posted as identified in section 6 of the by-laws.
In the event the parent co-chair is absent from a meeting the principal will take over as chair of the meeting and will select an attending school council member to record the meeting and produce the documents as outlined about.
School Council Members
Attendance at school council meetings is mandatory for all school council members. The Principal may remove a representative who misses 3 full School Council meetings during the school year from the council.
Every school council member is expected to complete his or her action by the date and the manner identified in the minutes of the meeting. The manner in which actions may be discharged could include:
An absentee member is still expected to still discharge their actions in a timely manner and should make provision to do so.
Responsibilities may include co-chairing or serving on subcommittees as designated by the School Council co-chairs and attend any relevant School Committee meetings pertinent to School Council interests.
Process for handling questions directed to School Council
Any question requiring the attention of the School Council shall be considered at the next School Council meeting and a response provided.
Questions submitted via the School Council website should be directed to the parent representative co-chair.
7. Newton North High School and the PTSO Website
Both of these websites will have a visible school council link on their home page. All documents and procedures relating to the operation of the Newton North school council will be accessible from these links and will be updated as and when necessary. It is on this site that notice will be given to the public of upcoming meeting dates, times and locations. In addition, in accordance with the State of Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, the agenda will be posted on this site at least 48 hours in advance of the next meeting.
8. Amendments
The current by-laws governing the operation of the NNHS School Council are identified in this document. Any representative requesting an amendment to these by-laws must present such a request in a timely manner to the parent co-chair to ensure inclusion on the agenda before its public posting. In the event of any vote seeking to amend or change the Newton North School Councils by-laws it will be necessary for the meeting to adhere to a quorum, defined here as 75% of the School Council members being in attendance at that meeting.
By-laws must adhere to the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71,section 59C or with the spirit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Education Reform Law of 1993.
The Newton North School Council is a representative school building-based governance body composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members and students. Its by-laws shall be in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C
The primary responsibilities of the Newton North school council are:
- To advise and assist in the identification of the educational needs of the students attending the school
- To review of the annual school budget
- The formulation of a school improvement plan (SIP)
- A review of the Student Handbook each spring to consider changes in disciplinary policy
- To help the Principal develop any projects arising out of the SIP that the Principal identifies as beneficial to the successful functioning and development of the school.
2. Membership and Tenure of the School Council
The composition of each school’s council is up to the discretion of the principal of that school. As such the Newton North School Council consists of the following voting members:
Principal
- The NNHS Principal will serve throughout his/her tenure at NNHS.
Parent Representatives
- Up to a maximum of 6 parent representatives can be selected through an open election process conducted by the PTSO. Each is elected to serve a 3 year term and must have a child attending Newton North for the entirety of this period. Current parent members cannot serve consecutive terms of office. The terms of serving parent representatives are staggered to ensure continuity, retain institutional knowledge and to minimize turnover in any one year.
- If a current parent representative member resigns prior to the completion of his/her term, then the seat will be filled by the 'alternate' candidate established at the last spring School Council election held by the PTSO. When the vacant seat is filled by an 'alternate' candidate they will serve the remaining time left of the term period. At the completion of this term they will no longer be able to stand for School Council elections given the requirements identified in the above paragraph.
- As dictated by Massachusetts Law there shall be parity between parent and professional representatives such that the number of parents must be at least equal to the number of teachers who serve on the Council plus the Principal.
Teacher Representative
- The School Council has up to a maximum of 3 teacher representative positions nominated by self or colleague, with elections if necessary at faculty meetings. The term is 3 years and teachers may serve no more than 2 consecutive terms.
Community Representative
- There is to be one community representative sitting on the school council at any one time. This representative is selected by and serves at the discretion of the Principal for as long as the Principal determines appropriate. The representative must be a Newton resident without children currently attending NNHS.
Student Representatives
- The School Council has up to a maximum of 4 student representatives serving on the council for the duration of the time they are a student at NNHS. Representatives may have participated in their year’s class officer elections and will be recommended by their respective House Masters to the Principal.
PTSO Representatives
- Whomever is currently serving as PTSO President(s) is automatically considered to be a non-voting member of the School Council for as long as they hold that position.
3. Elections
Elections for Parent Representatives
Parent Representatives are selected through an open election process conducted by the Newton North PTSO. Elections take place in the spring for any vacant positions commencing at the start of the new school year. Any parent of a Newton North student who fulfills the candidacy requirements set out in Section 2 can apply. The Newton North PTSO will advertise these positions and how to apply both on their website and in their general communications. In order to appear on the ballot candidates are require to submit a brief statement (100 words or less) by the advertised deadline.
The statement should address the following:
- Identify the elementary and middle school attended by your NNHS student;
- Particular interest, background, skills and expertise which have prepared the candidate for the role;
- Qualities the candidate would bring to the school council.
Elections for Teacher Representatives
See information for teacher representatives above.
Elections for Student Representatives
See information for student representatives above.
4. Meetings
Logistics
The Newton North school council meets each month during the academic school year September through June. The calendar for the upcoming academic school year is set by the NNHS Principal before the conclusion of the previous school year to facilitate planning & to ensure maximum attendance of all of the School Council members. All meetings will be held in Newton North High School, generally in Room 103. This schedule is then posted on the School Council website as detailed in section 6 of the by-laws.
Changes to these meetings are at the discretion of the NNHS Principal & will be notified in accordance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993.
In addition, special meetings may be called by agreement between the School Council Co-chairs.
Open Meeting Requirements & Public Comment
School Council meetings, as mandated by the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, are open to the public who can attend and speak before the Council regarding school-wide issues only.
Provision is made at the beginning of each School Council meeting to hear public comment only when the following procedures are adhered to:
- A member of the public wishing to make a comment is required to register their name and address on the sign –in sheet located on a table/desk near the entrance to the room
- The meeting Chair will recognize speakers in the order they signed in
- A Speaker will limit comments to a maximum of 3 minutes and are required to first identify themselves by their name and address
- The Council does not address any issues regarding individual students and therefore any public address regarding any individual student is not deemed appropriate and cannot be heard.
Documentation
In accordance with running an open meeting, the agenda will identify the date, time and place of the meeting and will be posted on the NNHS and the PTSO website at least 48 hours in advance. To promote member efficiency a summary of action points resulting from the meeting and any still outstanding will be issued only to school council members as soon as possible. Minutes of each meeting will be produced which are then posted as identified in section 6 of the by-laws.
Attendance
Attendance at school council meetings is mandatory for all school council members. The Principal may remove a representative who misses 3 full School Council meetings during the school year from the council.
New members once elected in the spring will be expected to attend and observe all remaining meetings in the school calendar pror to taking up their positions in the Fall to ensure they are as familiar as possible with the work of the School Council .
Absences should be reported to the parent representative co-chair as soon as practically possible however it is expected that even an absent member should execute their meeting responsibilities, as identified in section 5 of the by-laws.
5. Voting
Each member, as defined in section 2, who is present at the meeting is entitled to one vote. Proxy or absentee votes are not accepted. The NNHS Principal will have the final say on each vote. An 'alternate', while they are encouraged to attend School Council meetings, will have influence or voting priviledges over School Council business in that role.
It is the intention of the School Council to whenever possible reach decisions through consensus. In the event that is not possible decisions will be passed based upon a majority rule.
In the event of any vote seeking to change or amend the Newton North School Councils by-laws it will be necessary for the meeting to adhere to a quorum, defined here as 75% of the School Council members being in attendance at that meeting.
6. School Council Member Responsibilities
Leadership
The NNHS Principal and a parent representative, selected by the school council, will lead the School Council as co-chairs. The parent representative will serve as co-chair for the remainder of their elected term and shall work closely with the principal to maximize the productivity of the school council. The co-chairs are responsible to ensure the school council meetings conform to open meeting requirements. The parent co-chair is to co-ordinate with the principal to set and issue the agenda at least 48 hours before the meeting. The parent co-chair will run the school council meetings to ensure all members have a fair and equitable chance to participate.
To promote member efficiency the parent co-chair will issue to school council members only a summary of action points resulting from the meeting and any still outstanding as soon as possible. Minutes of each meeting will then be produced by the parent co-chair and then will also be posted as identified in section 6 of the by-laws.
In the event the parent co-chair is absent from a meeting the principal will take over as chair of the meeting and will select an attending school council member to record the meeting and produce the documents as outlined about.
School Council Members
Attendance at school council meetings is mandatory for all school council members. The Principal may remove a representative who misses 3 full School Council meetings during the school year from the council.
Every school council member is expected to complete his or her action by the date and the manner identified in the minutes of the meeting. The manner in which actions may be discharged could include:
- written submission to be sent to the parent co-chair to be distributed to school council members with the agenda prior to the next meeting to facilitate a full discussion at the next meeting
- written submission presented at the next meeting
- oral presentation at the next meeting
An absentee member is still expected to still discharge their actions in a timely manner and should make provision to do so.
Responsibilities may include co-chairing or serving on subcommittees as designated by the School Council co-chairs and attend any relevant School Committee meetings pertinent to School Council interests.
Process for handling questions directed to School Council
Any question requiring the attention of the School Council shall be considered at the next School Council meeting and a response provided.
Questions submitted via the School Council website should be directed to the parent representative co-chair.
7. Newton North High School and the PTSO Website
Both of these websites will have a visible school council link on their home page. All documents and procedures relating to the operation of the Newton North school council will be accessible from these links and will be updated as and when necessary. It is on this site that notice will be given to the public of upcoming meeting dates, times and locations. In addition, in accordance with the State of Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, the agenda will be posted on this site at least 48 hours in advance of the next meeting.
8. Amendments
The current by-laws governing the operation of the NNHS School Council are identified in this document. Any representative requesting an amendment to these by-laws must present such a request in a timely manner to the parent co-chair to ensure inclusion on the agenda before its public posting. In the event of any vote seeking to amend or change the Newton North School Councils by-laws it will be necessary for the meeting to adhere to a quorum, defined here as 75% of the School Council members being in attendance at that meeting.
By-laws must adhere to the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71,section 59C or with the spirit of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Education Reform Law of 1993.