Parent Advisory Council Overview

Parent Advocacy is a passion for School Board members. Research shows that meaningful parent involvement can increase academic achievement which is a major School Board goal. It also results in improved student achievement, and as well can help create better schools overall.

Through the District 89 Parent Advisory Committee the Advisory Council will serve as an advisory group to the School Board by acting as liaison between the School Board and the school they represent on policy and initiatives. The Council consists of representatives nominated by school principals, one (1) main delegate and one (1) alternate delegate from each school.

The Chairman and members of the D89 Parent Advisory Committee will support and mentor the Advisory Council members on behalf of the Board of Education. The Parent Advisory Council members must not be officers of their school’s parent-teacher organization during their term on the Council. The Parent Advisory Council members will not have voting rights during School Board meetings but will participate by submitting a formal report at School Board meetings which shall contain school news, advisory information and/or recommendations. Alternate delegates may attend assigned meetings and give reports in the absence of the delegate. Both main and alternate delegates will participate in all Parent Advisory Committee meetings and training sessions.

Parent Advisory Council Responsibilities

The Parent Advisory Council will function in an advisory capacity giving feedback on Board Agenda action items gathered from parent groups of the school they represent through written reports to the Board at School Board Meetings. This allows the School Board to receive vital input regularly from parents on policy and other important matters of concern. The information exchange of each school giving feedback through their parent advisory delegate to the school Board, and receiving information in return is an additional vehicle of communication welcomed in District 89. Council members may also choose to share information on current School District issues with residents in their neighborhood, at Village Board meetings, Church functions and other neighborhood group meetings.

Upon appointment, Parent Advisory Council members will take an Oath to serve, receive leadership training, receive a calendar of Board meetings to attend between the months of November and May; and at the conclusion of their term will be recognized as they conclude service and pass on the baton to the new parent appointment.

Parent Advisory Council Leadership Training

Leadership Training is recommended at least quarterly during Parent Advisory Committee meetings. Each advisory council member is encouraged to give recommendations on topics for training. Parents will have the opportunity to communicate with each other during the Leadership Training sessions and may determine the need to schedule additional meeting dates if there is consensus with members of the Parent Council.

School Board Committees

The members of the Council may be assigned to sit on School Board standing and special committees. Committees include but are not limited to: Education Committee, Policy Committee, Finance Committee and other committees as designated by the School Board.

PAC Meeting Presentation on Parent Engagement Presentation – April 26, 2022

Click on the image below to view the presentation.

parent engagement slide 1 from presentation