What is a School Advisory Council?

A School Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of members who share responsibility for representing and guiding a school toward continuous improvement. During meetings, the School Advisory Council reviews student performance data, provides input, and informs decision making.

Who can be a part of a School Advisory Council?

There are two types of membership; voting members and non-voting members. 

Voting members of a School Advisory Council are selected according to procedures established by the school and school board in compliance with the requirements of F.S.1001.452.

Non-voting members are welcome to attend any scheduled meeting and provide input on topics, but are unable to vote.

How do I become a voting member of a School Advisory Council?

A School Advisory Council is composed of the principal and representatives of the following groups: teachers, education support employees, parents and families, community members, and in some cases, students. Each school must have a School Advisory Council that is ethnically, racially, and economically representative of its community. Contact the school principal if you are interested in becoming a voting member.

Are there procedures a School Advisory Council must follow?

A School Advisory Council operates according to their bylaws. Bylaws cover how the council handles matters such as appointments, elections, officers, duties, and recording minutes of meetings.

What do members of a School Advisory Council do?

All members of a School Advisory Council assist with the preparation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan as stated in F.S.1001.42(18). If the school is eligible for the Florida School Recognition program outlined in F.S.1008.36, voting members will provide input and  determine the final distribution of funds by a vote. Non-voting members are only allowed to provide input. 

May I be a member of more than one School Advisory Council?

Yes, you may be a member, voting or non-voting, of more than one School Advisory Council.

When do members of a School Advisory Council meet?

If you are interested in attending a meeting or serving on a School Advisory Council, contact the school of interest for information and meeting dates. 

If you have questions, the district contact who supports School Advisory Councils is Barbara Bryant, School Improvement Specialist. She can be reached by phone at ​386-329-0532 or by email sent to bbryant@my.putnamschools.org.