AYSCBC understands the importance of having good information in a timely and efficient manner. Our Members want to be able to have informed discussions, to plan effectively and make well thought out decisions. Sharing clear relevant information is critical for School Councils to have in order to focus on their work and be able to be proactive.

To do this, we:

• Respond to queries and disseminate information relevant to members on ongoing basis
• Develop and circulate newsletters and information announcements on a regular basis
• Gather input from members on a variety of issues (on request from others as well as AYSCBC initiated)
• Update and maintain contact information with Members and others
• Publish information of general or public importance regarding School Councils specifically or education generally
• Ensure the Membership receives all our relevant organizational information in a clear concise manner as needed (i.e., Annual Reports, Interim Reports, Workplan, etc)
• Represent AYSCBC on committees as requested and/or invited
• Actively pursue resolutions to concerns raised and recommendations made during School Council Conferences
• Support and facilitate networking between councils. This entails maintaining the connection between AYSCBC and each individual council, as well as the connection all councils have with each other for information sharing, decision-making and support.
• Highlight the important role that School Councils play in public education, promoting School Council elections
• Provide a mechanism for the Department of Education and other organizations to solicit and coordinate representation from School Councils.
• Liaise with organizations in Yukon as well as other jurisdictions with a focus on public education
• Provide guidance and coordination on issues of common concern that the Minister, the Department of Education and other organizations require input on.
• Maintain affiliations with several other School Council/Board associations in other jurisdictions. This has proved to be a great source of information and resource sharing.

The Association plays an active role in developing, coordinating and delivering training and providing support for School Councils.

Through AYSCBC, we:

• Develop materials, as well as provide training and information to meet the needs of new and ongoing members. Some topics include:
  • Effective Meetings and Working Together
  • Know Your Role
  • The Role of the Chair
  • Confidentiality
  • Principal Recruitment
  • Policy Development and Review
  • Hiring a Secretary/Treasurer
  • Suspension Appeal Hearings
  • Your Role in Supporting Student Achievement
  • Working with Your Community
• Assist with the planning and preparation of conferences and other events based on the interests from a school council perspective.
• Coordinate and deliver workshops at the semi-annual conferences and to our Members in their school communities on request.
• Set standards for our Members such as a Code of Conduct.   One has been adopted for Executive Members and a Policy re: Code of Conduct has been adopted for all Members.
• Circulate information about other relevant professional development opportunities that are happening, both in Yukon and in other places.
• Meet requests for assistance from Members for support and information, including face-to-face meetings and written reports as desired
• Build up resources and ensure their availability for lending to members
• Organize and facilitate opportunities for members to meet to discuss common issues on an occasional basis. These could be issue-focused or regionally-focused.
• Attend learning opportunities provided by other community-based educational organizations in order to maintain requisite level of knowledge and currency in professional development and issues of importance.

The Association provides a variety of services to its Member organizations, including:

• Training and Support
• Resources
• Communication
• Research
• Evaluation

The focus of all AYSCBC activities is to continually benefit student learning and success through informed discussion, planning and good decision-making by School Councils, School Boards, parents, students and all partners in education.

Through our affiliation with many other organizations in Yukon and elsewhere, we are able maintain a leadership role and a good knowledge base as we work to support others.