School Site Council (SSC)

The School Site Council is a group of teachers, parents, and staff that help the principal to develop, review, and evaluate school improvement programs and school budgets. Tasks include: 

• Reviewing and analyzing student achievement data 
• Gathering community input 
• Helping develop the academic plan and the school site budget 
• Monitoring the implementation of the plan and budget. 

All Sutro families and staff are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend the monthly School Site Council meetings each month. Attending the meetings is a wonderful way to get to know other parents and caregivers and learn more about the unique culture of our school and our children’s education. Cantonese interpretation will be provided. If you need interpretation in a language other than Cantonese, please contact Principal Beth Bonfiglio. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL? 

The School Site Council is an elected group of equal number of parents, teachers and/or staff. The basic idea behind the School Site Council is to involve individuals, who are most affected by our school’s operations, in the decision-making process. 

Members:

● SSC Chair and Parent Member 

● SSC Vice Chair and Parent Member 

● SSC Secretary and Parent Member 

● Parent Member 

● Parent Member 

● Classified Member (a non teaching employee) 

● Certificated Member and Principal 

● Certificated Member (a teaching position) 

● Certificated Member (a teaching position) 

● Certificated Member (a teaching position) 

The role of the School Site Council is to advise the principal on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the school’s overall improvement plan and school budget. The School Site Council assures that specific state funds are allocated to the school’s improvement programs to support the school’s overall goals. Throughout the year, the School Site Council monitors the progression of its goals by reviewing school test scores, attendance and discipline records, parent surveys and input from teachers and students. 

WHY DO WE HAVE A SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL? 

In the 1970’s, the State of California passed a law that set up the School Improvement Program, which enabled schools to receive supplemental funding from the state. The law required that schools establish School Site Councils in order to receive and spend the extra funding provided by the School Improvement Plan. 

WHAT'S IN THE SCHOOL BASED COORDINATED PLAN? 

According to law, the School Site Council is required to design, implement, and monitor a School Based Coordinated Plan to ensure that School Improvement funds are being spent effectively to support school's improvement efforts to attain the highest possible levels of teaching and learning at the school. In SFUSD, the SPSA ( School Plan for Student Achievement) plan is the equivalent to the School Based Coordinated Plan. 

WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE SCHOOL BASED COORDINATED PLAN? 

A copy of the SPSA (School Plan for Student Achievement) is available here. 

HOW MUCH MONEY DOES THE SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL HAVE TO SPEND? 

Funds come from the state on a per student basis. The amount varies from year to year with California Basic Educational Data System enrollment. The legislature and governor can add to or cut some of the funding in any given year. 

DOESN’T THE STATE ALWAYS PUT SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS ON FUNDING GIVEN TO SCHOOLS? 

Yes, but in the 90’s, the state passed the School Based Coordinated Program, which gave the schools more power to spend their funding freely and more effectively. The School Site Council is the body that determines whether or not, and how to redirect these funds. For example, one council might use funds to develop a new math program, while another might decide to hire a reading specialist. Another council might decide that hiring an additional teacher to reduce class sizes in a particular grade or a parent liaison to get more parents involved would be the best use of its money. 

WHEN DOES THE SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL MEET? 

Principal Currell’s newsletter will always contain School Site council meeting notices and the agenda is emailed to parents/caregivers three days prior to the meeting.

DO I HAVE TO BE A SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL MEMBER TO ATTEND THE MONTHLY MEETINGS? 

No, you do not have to be a member of the School Site Council to attend the meetings. They are open to the public. Participation, questions, comments, and concerns are always welcome. Attending meetings is a great way to get to know other parents, caregivers and teachers and to learn more about our school. 

HOW DO I BECOME A SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL MEMBER? 

The members of the School Site Council are elected by their peers for two-year terms. For example, parents elect the parent representatives and teachers elect the teacher representatives. Elections are held in September or October. If you have any questions or are interested in being a part of the School Site Council, please contact Principal Bonfiglio. 

Are you interested in reading the code requiring the School Site Council? Please see the California Department of Education School Site Council Rules.