TCDSB - Catholic School Advisory Council

#1

(hide)

The policy of the Toronto Catholic District School Board states that each school shall formally establish Catholic School Advisory Council in compliance with the Board's duties under the Education Act and the regulations governing Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC).

#3

(hide)

What is the composition of the Council? How are the members selected?

MEMBERS	NUMBERS	SELECTION	PROCEDURE
Parents/Guardians	The   majority of council members must be parents. The local Constitution By-laws may state the number of parent members.  Or  The board may specify the number: Elementary  7  Secondary   8	Elected by parents/ guardians of students enrolled in the school.	At a meeting held within the first 30 days of each school year. Election shall be by secret ballot.
Chair	A parent member	Elected by the council	Election shall be by secret ballot
Community Representative	At least 1	Appointed by council	By invitation
Students Representative	Elementary 1 Secondary 1	(E)At Principal’s Discretion  At the local level	(E) Principal in consultation with council (S) Appointed by student council. (S)Elected by student body
Principal	1	Appointed	May delegate duties/powers to Vice Principal
Teacher	1	Elected by teachers	Local decision
Non Teaching Staff	1	Elected by non teaching staff	Local decision
Pastor or delegate	1	Appointed by pastor	A parent member could carry over this role
Representative of          Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education	1	A parent member of council could act as liaison to OAPCE	If the school is affiliated by board or school membership.

 

#4

(hide)

It depends on the circumstances:

1. Not if the parent is employed at the school that his or her child attends.
2. If a parent is employed elsewhere, he or she must take reasonable steps to inform persons qualified to vote in the election of parent members of their employment.
3. A Parent on an approved Leave of Absence from the Board is considered an employee.
4. A parent who works as a supply teacher or who is teaching on an occasional or short-term contract is an employee of the board. He or she could not be a parent member of their local school council and work at the same school.

#5

(hide)

Can a person employed by the Board be a Chair or Co-chair of the locaL CSAC?

No, this is prohibited by Regulation 612 (section 8 Officers of the Council).

#6

(hide)

Who is qualified to vote in the election of parent members?

Any person who is a parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school.

#7

(hide)

How is the CSAC Chair determined?

The CSAC chair must be a parent member of the local council elected by persons qualified to vote, (parents /guardians of students enrolled). The members of the council elect the chair. (All members shown in the composition of council chart.

#8

(hide)

How many officers do we have to have on our council?

The number and titles of officers is determined in the by-laws of the constitution of each council.

#9

(hide)

How are vacancies filled?

Vacancies are filled by election or appointment according to the by-laws of the constitution. If an election is held to fill a vacancy, section 4 or 5 of the regulation applies.

#10

(hide)

Does our CSAC have to have a constitution?

Yes it provides the framework for the harmonious running of the council. The development of local by-laws allows each council to address the unique needs of the school community. All constitutions must conform to the policies of the board, the Education Act and Regulation 612 and 613, (which clearly set over the role of Advisory School Councils), and directives of the Ministry of Education and Training.
The board will provide a sample constitution, which conforms to the above documents to assist school councils in developing a local constitution reflective the school community.

#11

(hide)

What is TCDSB view on partnerships?

Toronto Catholic District School Board believes in a partnership in Catholic education between the home, the school and the church. The viewpoint of each of the partners must be shared in order to establish a valid perception of local needs and to assess the adequacy of programs designed to meet these needs.

#12

(hide)

What is the Catholic School Profile?

The Catholic School Profile describes the history and traditions of the school and other information out the students and the community. It also describes the sacramental life of the school, liturgical celebrations, and communication with parents, student council activities and school-community partnerships. As a team comprised of parish, parents and staff, the school addresses the needs of the students, school priorities, student evaluation procedures, student progress and the school controlled budget.

#13

(hide)

How can the parents of Special Education/ Special Needs students influence the operation of their schools?

When establishing its by-laws, councils should ensure that one of its members assumes the responsibility of addressing the needs of Special Education/ Special Needs students. Members of the Council and the community at large should be made aware of the specific role of the TCDSB special education advisory committee (SEAC). Any recommendation of the council, which might impact globally on TCDSB special education programs or services, should be referred to SEAC for information and comment.

#14

(hide)

Who can participate in the local CSAC meeting?
Council meetings shall be open to the public and held at a location that is accessible to the public. School councils are entitled to hold their meetings at the school. All parents /guardians of students registered in the school have a right to attend.

#15

(hide)

What happens if our local CSAC cannot fill all of the required position?

A vacancy in the membership of the school council does not prevent the council from exercising its authority. The council should continue to try to fill vacancies in accordance with its by-laws, which may include election or appointment procedures. School Councils that have difficulty filling all of the positions may have elected parent members act as liaison with for example the parish, the community, OAPCE. The key component to a viable school council is that the majority of members present at any meeting are parent members.

#16

(hide)

On what matters can CSAC make recommendations to the principal and the board?
Recommendations can be made on any matter under the new regulations. School boards and principals must seek the views of school councils in developing and revising policies in such areas as:

1. The board's Code of Conduct and appropriate dress codes;
2. School Improvement Planning;
3. Action plans for student improvement based on test results from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO);
4. Implementation plans for new education initiatives;
5. The process and criteria for selection and placement of principals;