Consensus vs. voting

The Ministry of Education and Peel District School Board have always encouraged consensus as the preferred decision making method for school councils. Consensus is one of the most effective ways to manage your school council. When you make a decision by consensus, it means that every member of council agrees with the decision. Even people who may not fully support the decision have agreed that it is acceptable and that they will not work against it.

Although arriving at consensus can be time-consuming, it is well worth the effort. Consensus ensures every member has a voice in the decision-making process and builds respect for differing points of view. It also results in greater commitment and support from all members.

Consensus is also a way to incorporate the views of parents/guardians who may not be elected members of school council, but who come to the meetings and like to help out—it’s important these people feel valued and included as well.

When time is limited or consensus isn’t possible

If you can't achieve consensus, you may choose to put your decision to a vote. Voting is a very familiar decision-making tool for most people. It can speed up the decision-making process because less discussion or effort is needed to arrive at a solution that everyone can accept. However, it can also create divisions among council members because there is always a winning side and a losing side in any vote. People who have lost a vote may not be as willing to accept the decision or support the action plans that result from the decision.

If you decide to proceed with a vote, you should follow the voting procedures outlined in the Ontario Ministry of Education Handbook School Councils: A guide for members. Section 8.9 Voting (available at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/council/guide.html). Most importantly, you must determine that you have a quorum (enough people present at the meeting to make the vote valid) and decide what represents a majority for your council (usually 50% plus one of the members present).

Who has a vote

All members of your school council have a vote, excluding the principal or principal’s designate. This means your staff reps, community member and student (if you have one) can vote.