School-Based Decision Making has authorized those closest to the decision to be involved in the decision-making process of the school. Student achievement is enhanced when the school councils and the district work together. Their relationship is vital to the success of the students. The following represent some of the ways this relationship is fostered:

• Providing training opportunities for Councils in the processes of School-Based Decision Making
• Providing information that is pertinent to the business of Councils through written communications and samples
• Providing information to individual schools on an as-needed basis
• Maintaining open records for each School Council
• Collaborating with Councils on issues such as the school budget, personnel, and the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan
• Maintaining and updating board of education policies that support School-Based Decision Making.

The collaboration between the School-Based Decision Making Council and the entire school community is also an important relationship. This relationship can be fostered through the following:

• Providing information to the school community through newsletters
• Providing information to those within the community -- possibly the times and the agenda for upcoming Council meetings--to gather information and support for initiatives the Council is implementing (This might be as simple as letting the community know when meetings are held by posting them on the marquee in front of the school.)
• Communicating with various civic groups within the community
• Encouraging the entire school community to attend Council meetings as well as other activities within the school.

Building support within the school community and collaborating with district personnel will help to ensure the decisions of the council are in the best interest of the students. Building these relationships also will provide a foundation for the school to continue being successful in the process of school-based management.