School councils are not entitled to receive confidential student information, nor is it
appropriate for school councils to attempt to consult with principals or school boards
about decisions relating to specific individual students or staff.
Principals should ensure that discussions about staffing remain general without any
focus on individual teachers. Teachers are entitled to attend all meetings of the
school council, just as any member of the public is entitled to do.
Although the legislation is silent on this point, the principal ought to review the
school council’s annual written report to ensure that the school council has not
included any confidential student information in the report.
If the school council has included potentially defamatory statements about school
staff or other individuals, and the principal is concerned about the board’s liability,
the principal may wish to consult with the board about editing the report before it is
posted or distributed.
(Source: OPC Professional Advice Article, School Councils, www.principals.ca)