Leadership Council     

The Leadership Council is the school's decision-making body. Its purpose is to represent the interests of all the parties—students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and the community at large—who hold a stake in the educational process at Topanga Elementary.

Unlike a traditional school, as a Charter, the Leadership Council is the final authority on decisions regarding policies, programs and procedures at the school. The Council's focus is to improve the quality of education, enhance the learning experience of each student, and promote overall student achievement.

Responsibilities include:

  • Staff Development
  • Student Discipline Guidelines
  • Schedule of School Activities and Events
  • Guidelines for use of school equipment, textbooks, instructional materials, and school improvement
  • Overall Policies and Procedures.

    • Pursuant to the LAUSD/UTLA contract, 50% of the ten-member Council is comprised of the UTLA chapter chair (standing position) and four teachers elected annually by their peers. The other 50% include the school's principal (standing position), one elected representative of the classified staff, and three parent/community representative. Parent/Community representatives serve two-year terms and are elected on a staggered basis. Non-voting student council officers serve in an advisory capacity representing the student stakeholders.

    The Council holds monthly meetings, with additional meetings (and committee meetings) scheduled as necessary. Currently, meetings are usually held at 1:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, subject to change by the Council. Decisions are made by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by majority vote. Meetings are open to the public, and an opportunity for public comment is a standard item on the Council's agenda. Any stakeholder may also request that an item be placed on the agenda by putting a note in the "Leadership Council Agenda Box" in the school office at least one week in advance of the scheduled meeting for review by Council members when creating the agenda. Parents and other community members are also welcome to contact one of the representatives with their concerns. this year's Council representatives are:

    Principal: Liam Joyce
    Teacher Representatives: Nancy Spire (UTLA Chapter Chair), Marianne Bordier, Amy Weisberg, Audrey Bruckner and Paul Astin
    Classified Staff Representative: Donna Wabnig
    Parent Representatives: Lee Michaelson (6/04 Ð 6/06), Karla Morrison (6/04-6/06) and Erin Leeds (6/04-6/05)

    Review the Minute of March 31st, 2005.

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