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Connecticut Association of Boards of Education

School Governance Councils

School Governance Councils (Councils) were created by the state’s education reform law (Public Act 10-111) to enable parents, school staff, students (where appropriate) and community leaders to work together to improve student achievement in the state’s lowest performing schools. Councils serve in an advisory capacity and are charged with assisting the school administration in making programmatic and operational changes to improve the school’s achievement.

Local boards of education are charged with training School Governance Councils. Because of this, CABE is providing training to Councils across the state. We see this collaboration with local boards of education and Councils as a way to help transform schools, as well as galvanizing the community on education issues.

Below are some of the resources we provide during training. Check back periodically for updated materials

For more information about CABE’s School Governance Council training, please contact Lisa Steimer at lsteimer@cabe.org. 

Webinars

Introduction to School Governance Councils Webinar

Overview of State Law and Connecticut State Department of Education Guidance

Learn more about the state law requiring School Governance Councils, as well as the Connecticut State Department of Education Guidance. Learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Presenter: Patrice A. McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE

Roles and Responsibilities of School Governance Council Members
Learn more about what the roles and responsibilities of School Governance Councils are and, equally as important, what they are not.

Presenter: Robert King, Consultant, CABE, Former Board Member, Stamford Board of Education

Establishing Effective Structures and Procedures
Bylaws
Learn more about the framework that needs to be in place for the School Governance Council to work effectively and to eliminate gray areas that can get in the way of success.

Presenter: Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE

Lessons Learned from Previous Councils
School Governance Councils have been in existence around the country for over 20 years and in some Connecticut school districts for several years. What can you learn from previous councils that will help your council be as effective as possible?

Presenter: Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE

What Makes an Effective Team?
This session will provide guidance on what sort of qualities an effective team possesses.

Presenters:

  • Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE
  • Patrice A. McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE
  • Robert King, Consultant, CABE, Former Board Member, Stamford Board of Education

Culturally Responsive Practice
Participants will be able to understand the importance of respecting the languages, cultures and life experiences and having positive perspectives on culturally and linguistically diverse school community members and cultural sensitivity.

Presenter: Robert King, Consultant, CABE, Former Board Member, Stamford Board of Education

What Board Members, Superintendents and Principals Need to Know About School Governance Councils
Topics to be discussed include:

  • Overview of State Law and Connecticut State Department of Education Guidance
  • Roles and Responsibilities of School Governance Council Members
  • Establishing Effective Structures and Procedures - Bylaws

Presenters:

  • Robert Rader, Executive Director, CABE
  • Patrice A. McCarthy, Deputy Director and General Counsel, CABE

Resources