University City High School Governance Team Constitution
I. PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE:
The primary goal at UCHS is to help students realize their full potential through quality education and high expectations. To achieve this, we emphasize meeting the academic, social, and personal needs of all students. A positive learning climate is essential for the maximum development of each individual.
UCHS has developed support organizations and committees representing students, parents, staff, and community. The Governance Team unites representatives from these groups to provide a forum for initiatives related to educational quality and school climate, while fostering a process of self-evaluation and goal-setting.
This commitment to shared decision-making ensures the broadest possible ownership and participation in improving the quality of instructional programs and school climate.
II. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNANCE TEAM:
A. The Governance Team will consider initiatives and hear appeals regarding instructional programs and school climate improvement.
B. It will oversee a yearly process of self-evaluation and goal-setting to address school-wide problems and needs.
C. The Governance Team may create task forces for instructional innovation, budget, school climate, technology, and facilities. Each team member will serve on one or more task forces, ensuring diversity in gender, ethnicity, and constituency.
D. The Governance Team, through its task forces, may request information, review policies, propose changes, and oversee school-wide voting.
E. As the UCHS Staffing Committee, the Governance Team will involve staff and community in staffing decisions, including input on staffing needs, developing interview questions, and delegating authority to interview panels.
F. The Governance Team can act on behalf of the school community with decisions approved by 2/3 of its membership, consistent with Board policy and legal mandates.
G. The principal retains authority and responsibility for daily operations and creating an environment that supports instruction.
III. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNANCE TEAM AND STANDING COMMITTEES:
A. UCHS standing committees include the Instructional Council, Principal's Advisory Council, Race/Human Relations, Attendance/Discipline, Drop-Out Prevention, and the Social Committee.
B. Support organizations at UCHS include ASB, School Advisory Council, PTSA Board, Centurion Foundation, and EdUCate UC Foundation.
C. Standing committees must meet at least four times a year and share their agendas and minutes with staff and the Governance Team.
D. The Governance Team may review or amend decisions of standing committees with a 2/3 vote if the whole school community is affected.
IV. STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNANCE TEAM:
A. The Governance Team will consist of 11 members: 5 teachers, 1 principal (or designee), 1 classified employee, 3 parent/community/business representatives, and 1 student or group of students casting one vote.
B. Selection Process:
1. Teachers are elected by faculty.
2. The classified employee is elected or represented by CSEA and CEA.
3. The principal (or designee) is an ex officio member.
4. Parents/community members are elected by their peers, with one representing the VEEP area.
5. Student representatives are elected by their peers.
C. Terms of Office:
1. Members serve two-year terms (students serve one year) and may be re-elected.
2. Terms are staggered to ensure continuity.
3. Members missing two consecutive meetings will be replaced.
V. GOVERNANCE TEAM RULES OF OPERATION:
A. Leadership: The team will elect a chair annually.
B. Decision-Making: Decisions require a 2/3 majority when consensus cannot be reached.
C. Communication: Meeting minutes will be published on the UCHS website.
D. Meetings: The team will meet at least four times a year.
E. Quorum: A quorum of 2/3 of the membership is required to conduct business.
F. Agenda: The chair prepares the agenda. Any UCHS community member may propose agenda items.
VI. RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE GOVERNANCE TEAM CONSTITUTION:
A. The constitution will be ratified with a 2/3 vote from each constituency.
B. Amendments may be proposed by any community member and require a 2/3 vote.
C. Interpretation of the constitution will be mediated through the District's arbitration service if needed.