The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 requires each public school in the Commonwealth to establish a School Advisory Council, composed of parent, teacher and community representatives. The Council has responsibility for assisting the principal “in the identification of the educational needs of the students attending the school, in the review of the annual school budget, and in the formulation of a school improvement plan...”. (M.G.L. c.59B, s.59c, as amended).
The PTO, under the direction of the principal, administers the election of parent representatives, who generally serve two-year terms. The purpose of the SAC is to advise the principal in identifying the educational needs of the school and to help formulate educational goals for a School Improvement Plan each year. Parents interested in serving on the School Advisory Council, should speak with the principal or the PTO president. School Advisory Council contact information is available here.
The Wellington Advisory Council meets once a month at the school. The meetings are open to the public and are subject to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. Agendas and minutes of Council meetings are posted on the Bulletin Board located in the school office. Notice of the meeting times are provided in the principal’s newsletter.
The Belmont School Committee
The School Committee is the policy setting entity for all schools in the Belmont district. It also appoints the superintendent, approves the budgets, and negotiates with school unions. You can learn more at the main Belmont Public School website where you can find the members, goals and accomplishments, and minutes among other items.