The School Boards (Scotland) Act 1988 gives each primary, secondary and special school the right to elect its own School Board.

The membership of School Boards comprises parents (who have a majority), school staff members and co-opted members (chosen to represent the community). Local councillors, representatives of the West Lothian Council and Head Teachers have a right to attend the Board meetings but cannot be actual members of a Board.

School Boards have a variety of duties and functions including communication with parents, fund-raising, taking part in the appointment of senior staff of a school, and arranging the use of premises out with normal school hours. Boards can ask the council to give them certain additional responsibilities.

A leaflet detailing the functions, membership and regulations governing school boards is available from the Education Services (School Board Office).