Community Engagement (School Community Council)

In Hawaii, School Community Councils are forums for exchanging ideas about how to improve student achievement among the school stakeholders: principals, teachers, school staff, parents, students, and community members.

School Community Councils are a major part of the overall leadership structure at each school. They are a group of people who are elected by their peers to advise the principal on specific matters that affect student achievement and school improvement. Their primary role is to participate in the process that ensures that the needs of all students are specifically addressed in the overall education plan for the school. The Academic and Financial Plan is a document that highlights the goals for the school, the programs, and the available resources to reach these goals.

School Community Councils are forums for open discussion and problem-solving related to student achievement. Recent research suggests that when done well, this process contributes to improved school culture and a strong professional community of educators. In addition, effective decision-making supports improved classroom practice and student learning. These results indicate that democratic structures like School Community Councils are integral to school and student success.

The Hawaii State Board of Education and Hawaii State Department of Education recognize these research findings and have developed policies to support School Community Councils based on three common-sense principles:

• Individuals closest to the students should be more involved in making significant decisions affecting instructional program of the school.
• The school plan to improve student academic achievement receives more support when people understand and help create that plan.

• When families participate in a variety of ways in their children’s education, Including decision-making, your children and the school are more successful.

Membership on a School Community Council also benefits individuals involved. The personal advantages of becoming school community council member include:

• Learning about educational research and factors that impact student achievement;
• Being an important partner in education system, whose views are valued;
• Contributing to the shared goal of improving student achievement;
• Having a vehicle through which to express opinions; and

• Being informed about what is happening at the school.

Participating on the School Community Council will be a rewarding experience for all those who value the opportunity to make a difference in children’s education

Public Comments

  The Public Comments section is used to voice concerns and submit topics to be shared in the Public Comments section at the next SCC meeting, then placed on the agenda for the following School Community Council Meeting. Please input information below before the 14th of each month.   

  Public Comment concern is limited to a maximum of two minutes. Please know that there will be no discussion when you introduce your concern in Public Comments. If accepted, the concern is placed on the New Business Section of the following SCC meeting.