District Parent Advisory Council

January 2005 Newsletter

The District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) is a group headed by Superintendent, Dr. Bowers. Its purpose is to communicate district-wide activity and build support for student and family articulation in the community from birth to High School; and to help everyone better understand the link between local school and district-wide efforts. Its members are the current PTO and Site Council Chairpersons from all school sites, the Director of Curriculum, the Assistant Superintendent, the Director of Special Services, the ECFE Chairperson, and the Legislative Task Force Chairperson.

The District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) discussed the following topics at the December meeting:

Schools: All schools shared ‘best practices’ for fundraising and volunteerism. Middle schools find it difficult to increase volunteerism; cultural awareness was encouraged as a valuable social skill in regard to this topic. Different formats for volunteer recruitment were also recommended.

High School: SLPHS reported huge success in the I.B. Program and is encouraging yet even greater emphasis on essay writing skills to support I.B. success. Sr. High is looking into enlisting an Amity Scholar Teaching Assistant for the coming year. Sr. High is also reviewing program design for the Extended Spanish Program that will commence in the Fall of 2005.

Site Councils: Superintendent Dr. Bowers clarified the role of site councils were that of advisory, to participate in site improvement plans, and advance students learning. All goals should reflect and support the district mission and objectives. She added that all site councils should be working in the same direction and that direction being student achievement.

Accountability Report: Dr. Bowers asked DPAC to advise on the community literature for the 2003-2004 Accountability Report which is an annual report to the community on curriculum, instruction and student performance.

Finance: Business Manager, Jeff Priess presented the overview of the annual financial statement which is available for the community in the district office. The report in its entirety (presented by school) can be read on the State Department of Education’s website.

Budget: Mr. Priess presented the preliminary FY06 General Fund Projected Revenue information which projects a deficit of 1.3 million dollars. This is due in large part to a zero increase in per pupil legislative funding. Budget discussions are underway.

The next meeting of this group will be February, 2005. School marketing, new social studies and science standards will be on the agenda.

Rachel Richardson – Site Council
Katherine Cramer - PTO