School Advisory Councils

Parents want to know what’s happening in their children’s schools, and take a hands-on approach to education. School Advisory Councils (SAC) are intended to give parents a say in what’s going on at school, from policies to extra-curricular programs, fundraising and more.
School Advisory Councils (SAC) bring partners together to make decisions and solve problems in the best interest of student learning. All partners on the SAC have a voice so that the needs of students are represented and the school is responsive to the community it serves.
The fundamental purpose of the SAC is to ensure that all students receive the best possible learning opportunities by engaging partners in an ongoing process of problem solving and shared decision making.
Contact information for SACs can be found on individual school websites.

What is a School Advisory Council?

In accordance with the Education Act, each school within the Halifax Regional School Board has a School Advisory Council. Under the Act, the SAC has certain legislated responsibilities.
“A school advisory council is a legally recognized body composed of the principal and representatives of teachers and support staff, students, parents, and community members who work together in an advisory capacity to increase the quality of education being provided by the school. The fundamental purpose of the school advisory council is to ensure that all students receive the best possible learning opportunities by engaging all partners in an ongoing process of problem solving and shared decision making.” Establishing School Advisory Councils (NS Department of Education, December 1996)

Guidelines that define the roles and responsibilities of a School Advisory Council

• The Education Act and the Regulations under the Education Act 2006 (Section 20-23) - link

• Halifax Regional School Board School Advisory Council Policy (B.025) - link

Key roles and responsibilities of a School Advisory Council

• Support the development of a school’s Plan for Improvement. (See Planning for Improvement: A Handbook for Schools - page 16. This resource is currently not available on line.)

• Establishing a School Discipline Committee.
  • Department of Education Code of Conduct - link 
  • HRSB Regional Code of Conduct Policy (B.013) - link
  • Handbook for School Discipline Committees (not yet available on line)

• Advise on Board level issues related to curriculum, practices and policies.

• Advise on school level issues related to curriculum, practices and policies.