This study examines the demographics of SACs and the schools they serve, and proposes that demographic similarity with the school principal influences the SAC membership. The findings draw attention to the likelihood that appointment to SAC chair may be contingent on an individual's demographic similarity with the school principal. Principals also show a preference for recruiting council members who are school employees and structure the membership in ways that create a pretense of compliance with rules on council composition. These findings are consistent with studies which suggest that leadership will favor individuals with similar attitudes and demographic characteristics (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). The challenge of increasing diversity in school advisory councils lies not only in policy mandates of race representation, but also in understanding and managing the dynamics of group composition. (Contains 6 tables.)