To increase parent engagement and gain insight into parent perspectives on district agendas, some districts implement a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). PACs bring together parents and district administrators on a regularly-scheduled basis to discuss various issues such as operations, budget, and new curriculum.
This brief first explores districts’ motivations for creating a PAC. Next, it overviews strategies to recruit parent participants and describes how profiled districts set agendas and facilitate their PAC meetings. Finally, the brief overviews general strategies for increasing parent engagement in the community beyond creating a PAC.
Parent advisory committees allow districts to solicit feedback and engage families
All profiled districts in this report have established committees or regularly-scheduled meetings where parents meet with the superintendent to provide feedback and engage in two-way dialogue on district initiatives, concerns, and other matters. All six districts cite the opportunity to gain advisory feedback from the parent community as well as the hope to increase parent engagement as primary purposes and motivations for their PACs.
“The parent advisory council was created to advise the superintendent and district leaders on ways the district and our schools can provide a welcoming environment to all families. Other purposes were to develop strong school-family partnerships and promote the active participation and engagement of families and community members in the achievement and well-being of all students we serve. In creating the PAC, we wish to promote respectful partnerships between educators, administrators, and families, all focusing on supporting student learning and positive child development at home in schools and the community.”
Administrator, District D
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