Each school in the State of Florida must have a School Advisory Council (SAC) Parent Advisory Council (PAC). By law, each SAC/PAC must be composed of the principal and an “appropriately balanced” number of “stakeholders.” These individuals must be representative of the ethnic, racial and economic makeup of the community served by the school. The team of people representing various segments of the community could include parents, teachers, students, administrators, support staff, business/industry people and other interested community members.

The purpose of a SAC/PAC is to assist in the preparation and evaluation of the results of the school improvement plan and to assist the principal with the annual school budget. Additionally, SAC/PAC receives funds to be used at the discretion of the council. A portion of the money should be used for implementing the school improvement plan. Funding for use by SAC should be allocated directly to the council, should be clearly earmarked for their use and is not subject to override by the principal or interim approvals by school district staff. These funds may be expended only on programs or projects selected by the council, not school capital improvements.

What is a School/Parent Advisory Council? The School Advisory Council (SAC) Parent Adcisory Council (PAC) is a school-based group intended to represent the school, the community, and those persons closest to the students. The group shares responsibility for guiding the school toward continuous improvement. The district school board is responsible, by Florida law, for establishing an advisory council for each school in the district and shall develop procedures for the election and appointment of advisory council members. Each SAC/PAC shall include in its name the words “school advisory council.” For further information, please see: Section 1001.452(1)(a), Florida Statutes.