School councils are an excellent way for you to get involved in your child’s education. Every TDSB school has an elected school council. Your school council is an important forum for involving parents/family and community in matters that affect the education of students.

Our School Council 101 powerpoint presentation provides a quick overview of council operations. 

School Councils Guide For Members assists parents and administrators in participating in, supporting and managing school councils.

The TDSB Parent and Community Involvement Policy establishes a framework for building and supporting parent and community involvement in the Toronto District School Board.

Funds and Fundraising

• Please see the TDSB Fundraising Guide for information on school based fundraising.

School Council Funds

The procedures for school council funds document provides information about financial reporting for school councils.

• School Generated Funds- Outlines how fundraising can and cannot be spent in TDSB
• School Cash Online- The Toronto District School Board has launched School Cash Suite, an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents/guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, including agendas, yearbooks and class trips. If your school council is interested please contact the Principal.
• Semi Annual Financial Report Template have also been created to assist school council members in reporting their finances
• The Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) template is a required annual report for all councils who engage in fundraising activities.
• School Council Financial Plan and School Needs Assessment Form  is a required annual plan for all school councils who engage in fundraising activities (Due on Oct 31 of each year).

School Council Insurance

Many school councils are very active in their community and on occasion, participate or organize events that are not under the control of the school board. In these situations, the board’s liability policy may not provide protection to the school council, its members or volunteers acting on behalf of the school council. As such, it is important to ensure that your school council has appropriate coverage in place to protect the council, its members, and volunteers accordingly.

Examples:
Some examples of events that school councils organize which may not be under the direct control of the board and, therefore, not covered by the board’s policy:

• Fundraising activities including fun fairs
• Wine and cheese socials
• Home coming class reunions (including functions involving alcohol)
• Santa Clause parades, etc.

School Council Insurance Resources

School Councils and Insurance Program Package
School Council Insurance Request Form
School Council Insurance Incident Reporting
School Council Insurance Coverage

To purchase coverage please complete the School Council Insurance Request Form and return back to risk.management@tdsb.on.ca

For policy coverage, risk management or claims related questions, or if you would like to purchase additional coverage extensions contact: risk.management@tdsb.on.ca

If your school council is hosting an event, consider using a waiver for all your volunteers. The following is an example:

School Council Volunteer Waiver, Release, and Indemnity Agreement

When inviting or retaining external vendors, including exhibitors and community organizations, to participate in your event, consider having them sign a contract and provide you with insurance adding the school council and Toronto District School Board as an additional insured. The following is an example of a contract:

School Council Event Contract Terms and Conditions Agreement