Like all public schools in Massachusetts, Chenery has a School Advisory Council whose members include parents, teachers, students and community members.

A school council is a representative, building-based committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members and, at the secondary level, students, required to be established by each school pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C.

Councils are to assist principals by reviewing the school building budget and developing the school improvement plan. Councils' school improvement plans are submitted to the local school committee for review and approval.

The law outlines four major areas of responsibility for councils. School councils are to assist principals in:

• Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards
• Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school
• Reviewing the annual school building budget
• Formulating a school improvement plan