Policy 403 - Parent Advisory Councils

Parent participation in the public school system is an entitlement specified in the School Act. Such participation can be of significant assistance to individual schools and to the School District as a whole. The Board believes that the establishment of a Parent Advisory Council in each of the School District’s schools is an effective means by which parent participation in school affairs can be accomplished.

The Board, as a matter of policy, recognizes the School District Parent Advisory Council made up of representatives from individual school Parent Advisory Councils. In addition to educating and advising District parents, the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) may also advise the Board on matters related to education in the School District. To this end, the DPAC liaises with community and provincial organizations and meets with the Superintendent or designate.

Procedures

Governance and Membership

There shall be only one Parent Advisory Council for each school
The Council’s membership shall include parents or guardians of children in the school
The Council, in consultation with the principal, shall make bylaws governing its meetings, the business, conduct of its affairs, and its dissolution.

Mandate

The Parent Advisory Council should deal with broad policies, programs, and issues rather than with specific details of school operation. The Council should avoid discussion of individual staff members, parents or students
The Parent Advisory Council shall serve as a source of information and advise on matters relating to the school
Through its elected officers the Council may advise the Board, the principal, and the staff of the school in any matter relating to the school, other than those matters assigned to the School Planning Council (SPC). The principal and staff shall continue to carry formal responsibility to the Board through the Superintendent for decisions concerning the school and its effective operation.

Communication

PAC communications provide an important vehicle serving the school community and in promoting two-way communication
PAC communications are the joint responsibility of the parent committee members and the school principal
The school principal also has the additional obligation to provide guidance to the PAC to insure that such communications and activities do not contravene School District policies and procedures.

Third Party Liability Insurance

The School District’s insurance coverage through the Schools Protection Program, extends third party legal liability insurance coverage to Parent Advisory Councils:

Where the Parent Advisory Council has been recognized by the Board; and
When Council members are engaged in activities approved by the principal and the School District.

Principals are responsible to communicate to Parent Advisory Councils:

Liability risk management practices with respect to the type of activity planned by the Council
The School District’s reporting procedures for any incidents that may occur and any claims that may arise.

If a principal considers a proposed Parent Advisory Council’s activity to be unacceptable due to its inherent risks, and is unsuccessful in influencing the Council to modify the proposed activity, then the principal shall disconnect the Council activity from the School District and so notify the Board.