ARTICLE I: Name of Council
The name of this Council shall be the Rio Americano High School Site Council.
ARTICLE II: Role and Responsibility of the Council
The SPSA and budget shall be reviewed and recommended by the School Site Council. The School Site Council, following approval of a LCAP by the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education, shall have ongoing responsibility to review with the principal, teachers, and other school personnel the implementation of the SPSA and to assess annually the effectiveness of such program. The Site Council, following annual review, will make necessary recommendations in the plan to reflect changing needs and priorities of the Rio Americano Student Body. The Council shall carry out all other duties and responsibilities assigned to in the Education Code of the State of California and by the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education.
ARTICLE IV: Membership of the Council
Section I: Composition
The needs and the resources of the SPSA require that membership include broad representation of students, parents and staff, including all socioeconomic, ethnic and programmatic groups represented in the school. Representation on the Council shall be the principal, four teacher representatives (elected by teachers at the school), three parents of students attending the school (elected by such parents), three students (elected by students a the school), and other school employee. The Council shall be constituted to ensure parity between a) the principal, teachers and other school personnel; and b) parents and students.
Council members representing parents may be employees within the San Juan Unified School District, but may not serve as a parent representative at the site of employment.
Section II: Duties of Council Members
It shall be the duty of all Council members to:
- Attend all meetings.
- Accept positions as officers or subcommittee members when so appointed or elected unless unable to carry out the duties entailed.
Section III: Size
The School Site Council shall be composed of twelve members. The number of Council members shall not be altered except to reflect a change in the school size or to conform to regulations established by the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education.
Section IV: Term of Office
All elected members of the Council, except the students, shall serve for a two (2) year term of office. All students shall serve for a one (1) year term of office.
Section V: Election Procedures
Council members, with the exception of the principal, will be elected by the end of the spring semester. Teachers will nominate/elect their representatives by ballots counted by the Chairperson and one council representative. Other school employees will nominate/elect their representative(s) by ballots counted by the Chairperson and the council representative. Parents will elect their Council representatives from a list of volunteer parent candidates. Parents will be elected through an online voting process., and counted by the Chairperson and one council representative. Parents will be notified of the election by email and electronic newsletter on to two weeks before the election.
Three "student at large" representatives will be elected at the spring student elections.
Section VI: Voting Rights
Whenever possible, School Site Council matters will be decided by a consensus of those present. However, any member of the Council may request a formal vote be taken on any issue before the Council. When a vote is necessary, each member shall be entitled to one vote and may cast that vote on each matter submitted to a vote. Members must be present to vote; no absentee ballots are permitted. The person filling the vacancy will vote in the absence of the representative. The School Site Council shall be required to formal vote for approval of the SPSA and budget. Formal votes require at least 51% of those present in a quorum to pass.
Section VII: Transfer of Membership
Membership on the School Site Council is not transferable or assignable.
Section VIII: Termination
A member shall no longer hold membership should he or she no longer meet the membership requirements under which he or she was elected. Membership shall automatically terminate for any elected member who is absent from three consecutive meetings annually. The Council, by affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members, can suspend or expel a member whenever, in the judgment of the Council, the best interests of the Council or SPSA would be served.
Section IX: Resignation
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the School Site Council.
Section X: Vacancy
A vacancy will be filled by special election. The person filling the vacancy will complete the term of office for which the person was elected.
ARTICLE V: Officers
Section I: Officers
The officers of the School Site Council shall be a chairperson, vice-chairperson, recording secretary and such other officers as the Council may deem desirable.
Section II: Election and Term of Office
The officers of the School Site Council shall be elected annually in the fall. The term of office shall be for one year and no member shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.
Section III: Removal
Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of all members of the School Site Council whenever, in the judgment of the Council, the best interests of the Council would be served thereby.
Section IV: Vacancy
A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise shall be filled by election by the members of the School Site Council for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section V: Chairperson
The chairperson may e any member of the Council. The chairperson will ensure that agendas and previously approved minutes are posted seventy-two (72) hours in advance of meetings, and to preside at all meetings of the School Site Council. The chairperson may sign letters, reports, and other communications of the School Site Council. In addition, the chairperson shall perform all duties as may be prescribed by the School Site Council from time to time.
Section VI: Vice-Chairperson
The vice-chairperson may be any member of the School Site Council. The duties of the vice-chairperson shall be to represent the chairperson in assigned duties and to substitute for the chairperson during his or her absence. The vice-chairperson shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the chairperson.
Section VII: Recording Secretary
The recording secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings, both regular and special, of the School Site Council and shall promptly transmit true and correct copies of the minutes of such meetings to all members. The secretary shall in general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the office by the chairperson, or the School Site Council.
ARTICLE VI: Committees
Section I: Establishment of Special Committees
The School Site Council may from time to time establish and abolish such special committees as it may deem necessary. No special committee may exercise the authority of the School Site Council.
Section II: Membership
Unless otherwise determined by the School Site Council in its decision to establish a committee, the chairperson of the School Site Council shall appoint members to the various committees.
Section III: Term
Each member of a committee shall continue as such for the term of his/her appointment and until his/her successor is appointed, unless the committee shall be sooner terminated or abolished, or unless such member shall cease to qualify as a member of the School Site Council.
Section IV: Vacancy
A vacancy in the membership of any committee may be filled by an appointment made in the same manner as provided in the case of the original appointment.
ARTICLE VII: Meetings of the School Site Council
Section I: Regular Meetings
The School Site Council shall meet regularly each month. The date and time of the meetings shall be decided by majority vote of the Council at least one month before the first day of school. All persons within the community will be notified of Council meetings. All School Site Council meetings will be open to the public.
Section II: Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the chairperson, or by majority vote of the Council members. At least seventy-two (72) hours notice must be given to Council members and the public of any special meeting.
Section III: Place of Meeting
The School Site Council shall hold its regular monthly meetings and its special meetings in a facility provided by the school or the School Site Council and readily accessible to all members of the public, including handicapped persons.
Section IV: Notice of Meetings
Notice shall be given of regular meetings at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the meeting. Any change in the established date, time, or location must be given special notice. All special meetings shall be publicized. Any required notice shall include the day, hour, and location of the meeting; and shall be delivered either personally, by phone, or by mail to each member not less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the date of such meeting.
Section V: Quorum
The presence of seven members of the School Site Council shall be required in order to constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business.
Section VI: Decisions of the School Site Council
Decisions of the School Site Council shall be made by consensus of vote of a majority of its members in attendance, provided a quorum is in attendance.
Section VII: Conduct of Meetings
All regular and special meetings of the School Site Council shall be conducted in general accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and in a business-like, courteous, manner.
ARTICLE VIII: Budget Process
Section I: Procedures
- REQUEST FOR FUNDS forms will be available electronically or upon request through the Principal's secretary.
- The budget request will not be considered unless all areas are completed and accurate. Vendor, date of quote, and costs must be correct so that an accurate budget can be established.
- Staff members are encouraged to present their request to the Site Council and be prepared to answer any questions.
- The Site Council will establish the annual budget allocation based on the site goals consistent with the SPSA.
ARTICLE IX: Amendments
The above by-laws of the Site Council may be amended by a two-thirds affirmation vote of Council members at any meeting when a quorum is present.
