Every public school in Utah operates with a quiet powerhouse behind its success: the School Community Council (SCC). Composed of parents, teachers, and school administrators, these elected councils give families a direct seat at the decision-making table. Rather than acting as a school activity or fundraising group, an SCC serves an advisory and planning role, bridging the gap between local neighborhood priorities and educational leadership.

Why School Community Councils Matter

School Community Councils carry genuine financial and structural influence. Their primary responsibility centers on allocating School LAND Trust funds—state revenue generated from public trust lands earmarked specifically for education. Each year, the SCC evaluates student achievement data to pinpoint academic gaps, then designs a customized School Improvement Plan.

The funds are spent directly on those targeted priorities, such as:

• Funding targeted reading and math interventions.

• Purchasing updated technology and classroom tools.

• Supporting digital citizenship and student safety initiatives.

Because parents hold a voting majority on these councils, Utah law ensures that family perspectives directly guide how taxpayer dollars are spent to raise academic performance.

Getting Involved in Murray City School District

For parents in Murray—whether your children attend Horizon Elementary, Hillcrest Junior High, or Murray High School, or any of our 10 schools—getting involved in your local SCC is straightforward:

1. Run for an Elected Seat

SCC elections take place annually at the start of the school year (August and September). Parent members serve two-year terms. To get on the ballot, keep an eye out for candidate announcement forms sent via ParentSquare or stop by your school’s main office.

2. Attend Open Meetings

You don't need to be an elected council member to participate. By law, all SCC meetings are open to the public, and agendas are published ahead of time on school websites. Attending meetings gives you space to ask questions, offer feedback during public comment, and stay informed on school goals.

3. Connect with School Leadership

If you are interested in an open seat or want to learn more about meeting schedules, reach out directly to your school principal or check the "Community Council" tab on your school's district page.

When families step up to join their SCC, student outcomes improve, resources go where they are needed most, and the local community stays connected.