Yes, COUNCILS is a Scrabble word!

Letter values in Scrabble US: C 3, O 1, U 1, N 1, C 3, I 1, L 1, S 1.

Is it a valid word?

COUNCILS is a valid word in the official Scrabble dictionary (US), the UK Scrabble Dictionary and Words with Friends (ENABLE).

a body serving in an administrative capacity
(Christianity) an assembly of theologians and bishops and other representatives of different churches or dioceses that is convened to regulate matters of discipline or doctrine
a meeting of people for consultation