Resources
Across the OCDSB, School Councils help make every school community stronger by creating spaces where families and staff can share ideas, collaborate, and support student success. Every publicly funded school in Ontario must have a school council and are required to legally [Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2, s. 170(1) para 17.1]. Under Ontario Regulation 613/00 s.17, the principal serves as the school council’s resource person, supporting its work by providing information on relevant legislation, policies, and school programs. Here you’ll find information and tools designed to help councils do their work more easily — whether it’s accessing grants, organizing meetings, or finding new ways to engage parents and caregivers. These resources aim to make council life more connected, inclusive, and effective.
Grants – Parent Engagement Funding & PRO Grants
School Councils have access to two forms of parent engagement funding through the OCDSB: the $500 Parent Engagement Funding provided to every council each year, and the Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant, available through a competitive application process.
$500 Parent Engagement Funding (Annual Allocation)
Every School Council receives $500 each school year to support communication and parent engagement activities. Schools with both intermediate (Grades 7–8) and secondary (Grades 9–12) programs may receive up to $1,000 in total.
Funds are distributed by the OCDSB and managed by the school principal in consultation with the School Council. They are intended to support outreach, communication, and activities that help connect parents and caregivers to the school community. Councils should approve spending decisions through a motion and record them in meeting minutes.
Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant (Application-Based)
The PRO Grant provides additional funding to support projects that remove barriers to parent engagement and encourage participation in education. Projects should reflect local priorities and focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Building inclusive, welcoming school communities
- Addressing equity, racism, and student well-being
- Promoting identity-affirming and culturally responsive practices
- Supporting parent understanding of de-streaming, literacy, or other learning programs
Application timelines and reporting requirements are set annually by the OCDSB. Councils are encouraged to plan early, collaborate with their principal, and align projects with the school’s improvement goals.
Tips for Councils
- Align activities with clear engagement goals and community needs
- Record approvals, budgets, and outcomes for transparency
- Consider partnering with nearby councils for shared events
- Submit any required reports on time to remain eligible for future funding
Visit the OCDSB School Council Grants page for current details, eligibility, and timelines for both funding programs:
OCDSB School Council Resources
School Councils strengthen the partnership between families, staff, and school communities across the OCDSB. They provide advice to principals, help plan community events, and support positive school environments.
The OCDSB’s School Council Information page explains how councils are formed, how meetings are organized, and the roles and responsibilities of members. It also includes templates, reporting tools, and links to relevant policies and training to help councils operate effectively and stay informed.
Examples of Resources
- Annual report and meeting templates
- Role descriptions for council members and executive positions
- Budget planning and reporting tools
- Training sessions and orientation materials for new members
- Board policies and procedures related to School Councils
Best Practices
- Review roles and Terms of Reference at the first meeting each year
- Keep communication clear and inclusive (newsletters, websites, hybrid formats)
- Align Council goals with school improvement plans and community priorities
Other School Council Resources
Across Ontario and Canada, many education and parent organizations share valuable tools, research, and examples to help School Councils thrive. These resources cover topics such as meeting organization, governance, parent engagement, inclusion, fundraising, and community building.
They are not affiliated with OCASC or the OCDSB but offer a wider perspective on how councils can strengthen participation and impact in their schools.
Examples of External Resources
- Provincial or regional parent associations
- Education-focused community networks
- Government or school board toolkits on engagement and inclusion
- Research and data sources that inform council planning
How to Use These Resources
- Explore toolkits and adapt examples to fit your school’s context
- Share useful materials at meetings and in newsletters
- Subscribe to credible education or community channels for ongoing updates
Explore
- Province of Ontario Resources and Guide for School Council members
- Ontario Regulation 612/00: School Councils and Parent Involvement Committees
- The Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations
- Parents partenaires en education
- OESC, Chapter 11, A Guide for Trustees, School Boards, Directors of Education, and Communities
- Toronto Parent Involvement Advisory Committee School Council Tools
- Peel District School Board PIC Resource Guide for School Councils
- York Region District School Board School Council Handbook
- A Practical Handbook for Parent Involvement Committee Members