Local school councils (LSCs) constitute another type of involvement in the education arena. These councils' functions vary from providing advice to making comprehensive and controversial educational decisions that affect students and staff. This booklet provides background information on LSCs, points out their benefits and drawbacks, and raises key concerns. Critics caution that councils pose the following problems: (1) Educators are caught between the school board and the councils; (2) councils have the potential to abuse power in a way that disables competent principals; and (3) inexperienced and uninformed members may make unsound decisions. Other concerns to be addressed include accountability, roles and relationships, need for uniform policy, principal responsibility, maintenance of educators' professionalism, training, communication, decision making, and collective bargaining. Five steps for getting started are outlined--planning, assessment, goal setting, structural development, and evaluation. Following sections provide answers to most frequently asked questions about LSCs and describe various types of LSCs in Chicago, Kentucky, and West Virginia. In conclusion, the structure of LSCs and how they fit into the governance system are key factors in determining their impact on education. (LMI)