Community Council
An important way for parents to become involved in Community Roots governance is through the Community Council, which is open to all parents, staff, and community members interested in supporting the school. The Community Council is a way for parents to be involved in a wide variety of school activities, from planning special events (e.g. fundraising, special programs) to identifying community needs and working to find solutions. Participation in the Community Council is voluntary with no formal commitment necessary to participate. In its first year, the co-directors are working with the Community Council to establish a basic governance structure and to put systems into place for facilitating meetings. The Community Council has scheduled monthly meetings as well as reserved time for use of the Family Room for Council-related projects.
The Community Council is at times asked by the co-directors or the Board to participate in or comprise advisory committees to study or implement a specific policy or action of the school. For example, committees may be put together to study alternative food service vendors or needed and desired parental workshops. The co-directors and the Board of Trustees see the Community Council as a way to stay in touch with the school community’s needs and bring these issues to the attention of the Board, as well as a way to make use of the resources that exist within the community. The Community Council is encouraged to have representatives at open Board Meetings and Co-Directors may ask a representative to speak at Board Meetings when topics arise in Council Meetings that are believed to warrant the Board’s attention. Members of Community Council can also request to be put on the agenda of the next Board meeting when they believe that an issue needs to be heard.