PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEES: CHARACTERISTICS, CONTRIBUTIONS, AND PERCEPTIONS OF ROLE AND FUNCTIONS

The purpose of this study is to determine the make-up, organizational
structure, and operational aspects of school advisory committees
as well as to identify their contributions to local educational programs
as reported by principals and advisory committee chairpersons.
This study also reports differences in the perceptions of school
principals and advisory committee chairpersons as to the role and functions
of school advisory committees.
Research questions relating to make-up, organizational structure,
operational aspects, and contributions of advisory committees were analyzed.
Conclusions: It was concluded that advisory committees are predominately female,
as are their chairpersons. Committees usually meet monthly at the
school during the evenings. Most committees do not have a constitution
and by-laws.
School principals and advisory committee chairpersons bad significant
differences in perceptions regarding the role and functions of
school advisory committees. Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties'
respondents had significantly different perceptions regarding the role
and functions of school advisory committees.
Chairpersons reported that the advisory committees had made contributions
in the areas of school safety, maintenance and improvement of
the school plant, community and race relations, and articulation between
schools. School principals reported that advisory committees had made
contributions in the areas of preparation of the school budget, preparation
of the annual report of school progress, community and race relations,
school safety, and determination of school goals.