When you're appointed to be on a school or preschool's council it can seem like there’s a lot you need to do. However, there’s a difference between what you do and what you only need to monitor and review.

What you do

• finance and budgets – approve the budget
• propose constitutions 
• attend meetings 
• set up council committees and attend the meetings
• report to the Minister for Education once a year
• report to the school community, once a year
• be involved in the selection of principals (by 1 person being on the panel)
• approve school closures
• consult with the preschool or school community and make sure their views are represented.

What you monitor and review

• finance and budgets – monitor budget and finances via the finance advisory committee 
• property and maintenance
• plans, for example site improvement
• insurance and public liability status
• employment and contracts.