Parent Council- voting

[Ali]

Hello,

I am hoping for some direction. Thank you in advance for your time.

An issue ( purchasing sports equipment) for voting was presented and the Principal squashed the issue and would not support nor sign a cheque.( shortened version)

Here is my concern, what would happen if voting memebrs were to vote and the issue passed?
Also does the Principal have the "right" to say no automatically to any issue?

Thanks so much

[Sheila Stewart]

Hi Ali,
When you refer to the "Parent Council", do you mean the School Council? Just to be clear, as different parent groups have different processes to follow. I am sure you will get good direction from this community!

[Ali]

Thanks Sheila,
Yes it is School Parent Council. (SAC)
Thanks again and I'm looking forward for ideas and this site is a great wealth of information.

[Sheila Stewart]

Good to hear that you find the site informative! Sorry, but I need to ask you for more clarification! Was your "voting" about fundraised money and its allocations, or a vote to make a recommendation to provide more sports equipment for the school/by the principal?

[Ali]

To clarify.... SAC agenda was to vote on purchasing equipment, along with a short presentation on the equipment. The principal communicated that no vote would take place, also no support would be given, therefore no cheques would be signed. SAC would purchase the equipment through fundraising dollars.

My concern is that SAC had no option to get the information and make an informative vote. SAC raised the money through fundraising, and SAC has purchased more academic learning equipment.
I just would like to have an equal representation between all areas throughout the school.
Thanks for all information...
Happy Mother's Day to all

[Sheila Stewart]

You have probably found info in other discussions here about these kinds of situations....I hope there is something in your board's fundraising policy that can help too. Sometimes planning priorities at the beginning of the school year can avoid some of these difficulties.

[Shari]

Would it be school council funds that would be used? I believe if it was a school council funded project, the principal is a non-voting member of school council so his vote wouldn't have mattered.

[Catherine]

Shari's correctAli - you said that "the principal communicated that no vote would take place." That is not his decision to make that decision rests with your school council, the principal has no vote, but is there to facilitate as per the regulations that pertain to a principal's role re: school councils.

School councils were put in place for parents and the community. It was a chance for parents to partner with the system and offer feedback, advice.

I think it's more a principal making decisions council should be making. If your board's policy on school councils suggests as in the Operations manual that the meeting run under Roberts Rules then a vote can be taken anytime anyone on council asks for one. I'm thinking your principal needs a refresher on the Regs.

There are many more principals who work well with their councils and allow them all kinds of outreaching and decision making. We've had folks speak of them here, but sadly the quality of principals is like anything else in this province...varied.

[Sheila Stewart]

Do parent groups have different voting protocols when it comes to allocating fundraised money? It is my understanding that school councils really only can vote on what recommendation they are going to make to their principal or their board (for other matters). So, in that case, the principal/board does make the final "yes" or "no". Is it different then for fundraising budget decisions? Being involved at the high school level now and having never been involved directly with fundraising, I find this area really grey. Or maybe it is just another inconsistent area?!

[Jacqui Strachan]

Wow, interesting question, Sheila. I'm in the same boat - on a high school council that doesn't fundraise. When I was on an elementary council, I don't remember ever having to vote on a funding decision - everything was done by consensus. Sometimes the principal had suggestions, and sometimes they came from council members. Often, we would fund a few 'traditional' things (like visiting authors) every year, and then have a one-off project of some kind.

In terms of fundraised money, our school council survey had some interesting findings:
- 2/3 of school councils have their own bank accounts
- 43% of schools reported that their school council and principal
- 15% of schools reported that only the principal has the final authority over the funds

Yet, school councils are required to report their fundraising activity and expenditures to the broader parent community, and the principal is a non-voting member of the council. I am surprised that any principal would be prepared to go against a council vote, but from the story that started this thread, it seems that it happens! If the situation can't be resolved with the principal, I would contact the superintendent.

There are lots of fundraisers that are organized by the school, which the council may not have control over. For example, a class may fundraise for a class pet or a special project they want to take on. But if a fundraising initiative is organized by the school council, it seems inherently wrong if they don't have a say as to how the funds are spent.

[priceernest]

Hello Ali,

Just saw your request, allow me to suggest you go to the Ministry of Education Website and down load the following document:

Ontario Association of School Business Officials Finance Committee, "Guidelines For School Generated Funds" Fall 2003.
It is a 103 page document with forms, and is the Official Ministry of Education Guidelines forwarded to all school boards in Ontario. It is certified and issued by the OASBO Finance Committee.
It is the "Bible" so to speak on Sources and Uses of School Generated Funds, accountability, banking/receipts/disbursements, financial reporting, and etc........!

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Ernest

[Ali]

Thank you very much for the information. I will print and read the document.
Again thanks for all the great information.
Regards
Ali