DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2022: School Governance Council (SGC) — The Practical Guide Schools Can Actually Implement
This post explains what the School Governance Council (SGC) is, what it is not, the exact meeting and decision rules, the election timeline schools must follow, and the reports/documents you should keep. It’s written for School Heads, teachers, PTA officers, learner leaders, alumni, LGU/community partners, and anyone who wants school improvement work to be organized, inclusive, and transparent.
TL;DR (5 things to remember)
- The SGC has a dual purpose: a shared governance structure and a feedback mechanism for the school community. (DO 026, p. 9)
- Election timing is fixed: the School Head calls the election of SGC officers (external Co-Chair + Secretary) on or before the sixth week after opening of classes, with notice posted two weeks before. (DO 026, p. 18)
- Quorum is defined: meetings require 50% + 1 of total SGC membership. (DO 026, p. 22)
- Decision rule is defined: recommendations are made by two-thirds (2/3) consensus of all SGC members and should be documented and posted. (DO 026, p. 22)
- Reporting is required: submit semi-annual accomplishment report with action plan (with School Head approval) to the SDS and LGUs, and integrate it in the School Report Card (SRC). (DO 026, p. 9)
1) What the SGC is (in plain language)
The School Governance Council (SGC) is a school-level council established to strengthen stakeholder participation in school governance. DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2022 emphasizes that the SGC has a dual purpose: it functions as a shared governance structure and a feedback mechanism for the school community. (DO 026, p. 9)
SGC as a shared governance structure
This means the SGC is where stakeholders (learners, parents, teachers, alumni, LGU/community partners, and others) can align on school priorities, support school improvement initiatives, and help ensure the school’s direction reflects real needs—without confusion about roles.
SGC as a feedback mechanism
This means the SGC is also a structured channel to surface stakeholder feedback on school programs and services—so concerns become documented recommendations that can be acted on, monitored, and reported.
Practical translation: The SGC is not “another committee to add work.” It is the place where stakeholder voices become actionable, trackable recommendations—and where support is mobilized in a coordinated way.
2) What the SGC is NOT (avoid the most common mistakes)
Schools often struggle not because stakeholders are absent, but because roles overlap and decisions are unclear. The SGC works only when everyone understands what it is not.
- Not a replacement for PTA, learner government (SSG/SPG), Faculty Club, School Planning Team, Child Protection Committee, DRRM, and other mandated groups.
- Not a project implementation team that does the work directly. The SGC recommends and routes actions to the proper committee/office with mandate.
- Not a procurement body, not a disbursing authority, and not a shortcut around COA/DepEd financial rules. Any use of resources must remain compliant with existing accounting and audit policies.
- Not a political arena or “popularity contest.” Officer elections must follow the rules, be documented, and keep the council’s legitimacy intact.
3) Why DepEd strengthened SGC implementation
In many schools, stakeholders already “help,” but help is often fragmented: projects overlap, meetings repeat, and feedback stays informal. DepEd’s SGC policy pushes schools toward a governance model where participation becomes organized, transparent, and useful.
Alignment
Everyone works toward the same priority targets, instead of scattered “good ideas” that do not connect to school plans.
Transparency
Recommendations are written, posted on transparency boards, and traceable—reducing misinformation and “he said, she said.”
Accountability
Action is routed to the right committee, monitored by the council, and reflected in school reporting outputs.
DO 026 explicitly ties SGC work to school planning and reporting cycles: participation in SIP/AIP formulation and implementation, capturing feedback, and producing semi-annual reports integrated into the School Report Card (SRC). (DO 026, p. 9)
4) Core function you should operationalize: SIP/AIP + feedback to action
The most implementation-friendly way to understand the SGC is this: it connects stakeholder feedback to the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)—then ensures that feedback becomes documented recommendations, routed actions, and reportable outcomes. (DO 026, p. 9)
If your SGC is meeting but not producing written recommendations and semi-annual reporting, it will look active—but not compliant.
5) Elections and timelines (exact rules, not “typical practice”)
DO 026 sets a clear election sequence so the SGC is formed early in the school year. The key requirement is the timing of the election of SGC officers: the School Head calls the election of the Co-Chairperson from external stakeholders and the Secretary, after other internal committees/organizations and the PTA have completed their elections.
DO 026 also clarifies what happens after the election: the school may formally induct the SGC once election and membership completion are done. (DO 026, p. 18)
Election integrity rule you should not ignore
After counting, the resolution proclaiming the officers-elect (signed by the School Head) is submitted to the SDO. That submitted resolution is final and executory and not subject to election protest, and it must be circulated and posted on the transparency board and other public areas within the school vicinity. (DO 026, p. 19)
| Compliance timeline | What to do | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Stakeholder mapping + confirm internal organizations’ election schedules (PTA, SSG/SPG, Teachers’ Association, etc.). | Stakeholder list, draft council composition, coordination notes. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Public call for election; post notice two (2) weeks before election. (DO 026, p. 18) | Posted notice (photo), announcement memo, nomination/candidacy filings. |
| Weeks 5–6 | Conduct election of external Co-Chair + Secretary on/before sixth week. (DO 026, p. 18) | Minutes, attendance, ballot tally sheet, proclamation resolution. |
| Immediately after | Submit signed proclamation resolution to SDO; post on transparency board. (DO 026, p. 19) | Receiving copy, posted resolution (photo), induction documentation. |
| Quarterly | Hold regular meetings and publish updates; keep documentation complete. | Minutes, attendance, posted advisories, recommendation memos. |
| Semi-annual | Submit accomplishment report with action plan to SDS & LGUs; integrate to SRC. (DO 026, p. 9) | Signed report w/ School Head approval, submission proof, SRC copy/section. |
If you want SGC implementation to feel “lighter,” treat documentation as a system: standard templates, consistent filing, and digital backups.
6) Meetings and decisions (exact quorum + exact decision rule)
A functioning SGC is built on predictable meetings. DO 026 includes minimum procedures for regular meetings—such as calling to order, determining quorum, reading and approving minutes, and discussing agenda items. (DO 026, p. 22)
Quorum (required)
“In order to conduct meetings, there should be a quorum of 50% + 1 of the total SGC membership.” (DO 026, p. 22)
Operational advice: write the total number of members on the attendance sheet header so everyone knows the quorum number immediately.
Decision rule (required)
“All recommendations of the SGC shall be made by two-thirds (2/3) consensus of all SGC members…” (DO 026, p. 22)
Operational advice: reflect the voting/consensus result in the minutes (e.g., “Approved by 2/3 consensus”), then issue a written recommendation.
These two rules—quorum and two-thirds (2/3) consensus—are the strongest guardrails against informal, undocumented “decisions.” They make SGC action legitimate, defensible, and transparent. (DO 026, p. 22)
7) The Recommendation-to-Action Workflow (use this to prevent “meeting fatigue”)
A common SGC failure is holding meetings that produce only discussion, not action. The SGC becomes effective when it consistently follows a workflow: issues → recommendations → routing → implementation → monitoring → reporting. Below is a practical workflow you can copy into your SGC orientation slides.
- Issue is raised (from learners, parents, teachers, or partners) through proper channels.
- Agenda is prepared by leadership/secretariat; supporting data is requested from relevant committees.
- Quorum is established (50% + 1 of total membership). (DO 026, p. 22)
- Deliberation happens with resource persons if needed; options are documented.
- Written recommendation is produced, approved by two-thirds (2/3) consensus. (DO 026, p. 22)
- Recommendation is routed to the proper committee/office (e.g., DRRM, CPC, SIP team, Brigada, etc.) for implementation.
- Monitoring is scheduled (what evidence, by when, who reports back).
- Transparency is maintained (post recommendations/resolutions where appropriate, e.g., transparency board). (DO 026, p. 19)
- Progress is consolidated into quarterly updates and ultimately into the semi-annual accomplishment report integrated to the SRC. (DO 026, p. 9)
8) Required outputs and documentation (your SGC must leave evidence)
DepEd compliance is not only about doing the right activities—it is about keeping clean, complete records. DO 026 ties SGC work to SIP/AIP participation, stakeholder feedback, and reporting obligations. (DO 026, p. 9) The best approach is to standardize outputs so your SGC can sustain work even when officers change.
A) Governance records
- SGC composition list + stakeholder mapping notes
- Election notice, candidacy filings, minutes, attendance
- Proclamation resolution submitted to SDO and posted publicly (DO 026, p. 19)
- Induction/orientation documentation
B) Operational records
- Quarterly meeting minutes + attendance
- Agenda + supporting data/evidence used in deliberation
- Written recommendations (with 2/3 consensus notation) (DO 026, p. 22)
- Monitoring logs and follow-through reports
If you maintain these records consistently, SGC reporting becomes a simple compilation task—not a stressful “reconstruction” at the end of the semester.
9) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the SGC optional?
DO 026 provides implementing guidelines for establishing the SGC as part of strengthening shared governance and feedback mechanisms in schools. If your school treats SGC as optional, you will struggle to institutionalize stakeholder engagement and reporting expectations tied to SIP/AIP and SRC. (DO 026, p. 9)
When exactly should we elect the SGC officers?
The election of the external Co-Chairperson and the Secretary is held on or before the sixth week after opening of classes, after the elections of other internal committees/organizations and PTA. Notice must be posted two weeks before the election. (DO 026, p. 18)
Can stakeholders protest the election result?
The proclamation resolution signed by the School Head, once submitted to the SDO, is final and executory and not subject to election protest. It must be circulated and posted on transparency board/public areas. (DO 026, p. 19)
What is the quorum requirement?
Quorum is explicitly defined: 50% + 1 of the total SGC membership. (DO 026, p. 22)
How do we approve recommendations?
Recommendations are made by two-thirds (2/3) consensus of all SGC members. (DO 026, p. 22) Best practice is to reflect the result in minutes and issue a written recommendation/resolution.
What is the most important report the SGC must submit?
The SGC must submit a semi-annual accomplishment report including an action plan, through and with School Head approval, to the Schools Division Superintendent and LGUs, and integrate it into the School Report Card (SRC). (DO 026, p. 9)
What makes SGC meetings productive instead of exhausting?
Follow the Recommendation-to-Action workflow: ensure quorum, approve recommendations by 2/3 consensus, route actions to the proper committee, monitor progress, and consolidate outcomes for reporting. (DO 026, pp. 9, 22)
10) Copy-paste template pack (use immediately)
These templates are designed for quick implementation and clean documentation. Replace bracketed text, print, and file properly. Keep digital copies as backup.
Template A — Election Notice (post two weeks before)
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE COUNCIL (SGC) NOTICE OF ELECTION OF OFFICERS Date Posted: [Month Day, Year] School: [School Name], [District], [Division] In accordance with DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2022, notice is hereby given that the School Governance Council (SGC) shall conduct the ELECTION of: 1) Co-Chairperson (from External Stakeholders), and 2) Secretary Date of Election: [Month Day, Year] Time: [Time] Venue: [Venue] Candidates for these positions shall come from the voting council members. Interested candidates shall file their candidacy through official communication addressed to the School Head on or before: [Deadline]. This notice is posted publicly in compliance with the required two (2) weeks prior notice period. For information and guidance, please coordinate with: [Name], [Position], [Contact Details] [NAME OF SCHOOL HEAD] School Head
Template B — Candidacy Filing Letter
[Date] [Name of School Head] School Head, [School Name] [School Address] Subject: Filing of Candidacy for SGC Officer Position Madam/Sir: In accordance with DepEd Order No. 026, s. 2022, I respectfully submit my candidacy for the position of: [ ] Co-Chairperson (External Stakeholder) [ ] Secretary I affirm my commitment to perform the duties of the position with integrity, transparency, and accountability, and to support the SGC’s purpose as a shared governance structure and feedback mechanism for the school community. Respectfully, [Name] [Stakeholder Group/Role] [Contact Details] [Signature]
Template C — Minutes of Meeting (with quorum and decision rule)
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE COUNCIL (SGC) MINUTES OF MEETING Date: [Month Day, Year] Time: [Start–End] Venue: [Venue] I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by [Name], [Position], at [Time]. II. Attendance and Quorum Total SGC Membership: [N] Present: [N] Quorum Requirement (50% + 1): [Computed quorum number] Quorum Status: [ ] Met [ ] Not Met (If not met, meeting adjourned/rescheduled.) III. Reading and Approval of Minutes [Summary and approval notes.] IV. Agenda Items / Unfinished Business 1) [Agenda item] Discussion Highlights: - [Point 1] - [Point 2] Supporting Evidence/Data: - [Document/Report/Photos] V. Recommendations / Decisions Decision Rule: All recommendations approved by two-thirds (2/3) consensus of all SGC members. Result: - Total Members: [N] - Votes/Consensus: [N in favor] / [N against] / [Abstain] Status: [ ] Approved by 2/3 consensus [ ] Not approved Written Recommendation Issued: [Yes/No] Routed to Committee/Office: [Name of committee/office] Expected Output / Timeline: [Deliverable + due date] Monitoring Schedule: [Date + responsible person] VI. Other Matters [Notes.] VII. Next Meeting Date/Time: [Details] Venue: [Details] VIII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at [Time]. Prepared by: [Name], SGC Secretary __________________ Noted: [Name], Elected Co-Chairperson (External) __________________ [Name], Designated Co-Chairperson (School Rep) __________________
Template D — Written Recommendation / Council Resolution
SGC RECOMMENDATION / RESOLUTION NO. [___], S. [Year] Title: Recommendation on [Issue/Program/Concern] WHEREAS, the School Governance Council (SGC) serves as a shared governance structure and feedback mechanism to support school improvement; WHEREAS, the council deliberated on [date] with quorum established and considered the following evidence: - [Evidence 1] - [Evidence 2] NOW, THEREFORE, the SGC hereby recommends the following: 1) [Recommendation 1] 2) [Recommendation 2] Implementation Routing: This recommendation is hereby referred to [Committee/Office] for appropriate action and implementation, with a progress update to be submitted to the SGC on or before [date]. Approval: Approved by two-thirds (2/3) consensus of all SGC members on [date]. Adopted this [day] of [month], [year] at [school]. _________________________ [Name], SGC Secretary Attested: _________________________ [Name], Elected Co-Chairperson (External) Noted: _________________________ [Name], Designated Co-Chairperson (School Rep)
Template E — Semi-Annual Accomplishment Report with Action Plan (SRC-ready)
SCHOOL GOVERNANCE COUNCIL (SGC) SEMI-ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT WITH ACTION PLAN Period Covered: [1st Sem / 2nd Sem], SY [____-____] School: [School Name], [District], [Division] A. Summary of Key Accomplishments (Narrative) - [Accomplishment 1: what was improved, who benefitted, evidence] - [Accomplishment 2] - [Accomplishment 3] B. Recommendations Issued and Status (Table) Recommendation | Routed Committee/Office | Target Date | Status | Evidence/Remarks 1) [text] | [committee] | [date] | [Done/Ongoing] | [proof] 2) [text] | [committee] | [date] | [Done/Ongoing] | [proof] C. Stakeholder Feedback Summary - Learners’ feedback highlights: [points] - Parents’ feedback highlights: [points] - Teachers/personnel feedback highlights: [points] - Community/LGU feedback highlights: [points] D. Action Plan (Next Semester) Priority Need | Proposed Action | Responsible Committee/Office | Timeline | Resources Needed | Success Indicator 1) [need] | [action] | [committee] | [dates] | [resources] | [indicator] 2) [need] | [action] | [committee] | [dates] | [resources] | [indicator] E. Integration to School Report Card (SRC) - SRC section/attachment reference: [where included] - Date included/updated: [date] Prepared by: [Name], SGC Secretary __________________ Attested: [Name], Elected Co-Chairperson (External) __________________ Through and with approval of: [NAME OF SCHOOL HEAD] School Head __________________ Submitted to: Office of the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) – [Division] [Concerned LGU Offices/Local School Board]
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