• Preparer
  
• Conciliator
  
• Facilitator
  
• Activator
  
  

The position of Chair of the School Council is a crucial one, but it need not be unduly onerous. Although it is the responsibility of the Chair to make certain assigned duties are carried out, many of the duties may be delegated to others.

The model of Chair recommended for school councils is that of the Chair of a self-directed team rather than the model of the Chair as impartial. This allows the Chair to participate in council discussions as an equal member, subject to the same Code of Conduct as all council members. (At least one Council found it advantageous to rotate who conducted meetings–not always the Chair. That is different from the current handbook, and from this resource.)

• Call the meeting to order
  
• Ensure that an agenda, with input from all concerned, is prepared
  
• Ensure that council meeting dates and times are established
  
• Direct the business and conduct of the meeting
  
• Maintain order
  
• Recognize those who are entitled to speak | Faciliatate collaborative
  
• Ensure that all are heard | decision making!
  
• Hold discussion to the question under consideration
  
• Limit long winded speakers (including him/herself!)
  
• Ensure that an updated council policy manual, including the constitution and by-laws and the School Protocol Agreement, is maintained
  
• Ensure that council minutes are maintained and distributed as defined in the by-laws
  
• Call special meetings of council as defined in the by-laws
  
• Ensure that the annual report of the school council is prepared and presented to the Board and the community
  
• Ensure that meetings with parents and members of the community are conducted on matters within the council's responsibility
  
• Ensure that solutions/recommendations are implemented
  
• Work with the principal in communicating with the School Board
  
• Carry out any other duties assigned to the Chair by consensus decision of the Council
  
• Know when to quit

Many councils hold informal meetings, generally reaching consensus on issues. Some councils ratify consensus decisions by a formal vote that can be recorded in the minutes. It is up to each individual council to decide on meeting procedures and to define them in their by-laws. Later councils may amend the by-laws if preferences change. If your council agrees to follow strict parliamentary procedure, the duties of a chair are more defined, for example:

• Clearly state and put to vote all properly moved questions
  
• Announce the results of all voting