Did you know that every public school in Utah has a School Community Council (SCC), and parents like you are at its heart? These councils are vital hubs where parents, school employees, and the principal collaborate to directly shape your child’s educational experience. It’s a powerful way to ensure your school truly reflects the needs and priorities of our Murray community.

Driving School Improvement with Real Impact

SCCs aren’t just advisory groups; they have significant responsibilities, particularly in guiding how schools use funding from the School LAND Trust program. These funds, generated from Utah’s unique land endowments, bring tens of millions of dollars annually to Utah schools for academic programs. For many schools, these are the only discretionary funds they receive [Source: Utah State Board of Education].

Your council reviews student assessments and progress, then crafts a detailed plan for how these funds will be used to address specific academic needs and improve student achievement. This plan is then approved by the local school board, ensuring transparent and targeted investment directly benefiting students.

Beyond academics, since 2015, state law (HB140) has expanded SCC responsibilities to include partnering with school administrators on Internet safety review and ensuring compliance with Safe Technology and Digital Citizenship requirements, helping foster a secure online environment for our kids.

Your Seat at the Table: What SCCs Do

Here’s how your Community Council directly impacts your school:

• Data-Driven Decisions: They analyze testing data and other information to identify specific academic needs.
• Strategic Planning: They develop a comprehensive School Improvement Plan and the crucial School LAND Trust Plan.
• Expert Advice: They advise and make recommendations to school and district administrators, and even the school board, on school and district programs, curriculum, and community environment for students.
• Parent Power: Councils always have a two-parent majority (e.g., a minimum of six parents and four employees at high schools; four parents and two employees at other schools), ensuring robust community input. Parents are elected by their peers for two-year, staggered terms.

Get Involved!

Your participation is key to a thriving school community. SCC meetings are open to the public – you can find agendas, minutes, and meeting schedules on your individual MCSD school website.

Community Council elections are typically held in the fall. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to learn more about joining your school’s council, don’t hesitate to contact your local principal. Your voice is invaluable in shaping the future of education in Murray.