What is a Parent Advisory Council (PAC)? The School Act gives parents the right, through PACs, to assume an advisory role in every school. PAC is the officially recognized collective voice of parents of their school. A PAC, through its elected officers, may advise the school board, the principal and staff of the school respecting any matter relating to the school other than matters assigned to the School Planning Council (SPC). PACs are forums within each school community to discuss matters affecting your school and the education of your children. Parents’ voices are a tremendous value to their school. PACs offer a wealth of ideas and support in the challenges that face all public schools. PACs strive to represent the diversity within their communities and contribute to the benefit of all students by: providing opportunities to educate and inform parents about the school; involving parents in volunteer activities; and openly discussing parents' concerns and aspirations for their schools.   Who can become a member of the PAC? All parents and guardians of students registered in the school are able to participate as a member of the PAC. What governs a PAC? As an autonomous body, the PAC must abide by its Constitution and Bylaws and the School Act. How does a PAC work? Through their elected executives from parents in the school, PACs communicate with their parent community gathering and discussing issues of importance regarding their school in order to adequately advise those that influence their school. In addition to PAC meetings, communication may also be done through, newsletters, telephone, email, and websites so that all parents have the opportunity for input. PACs, with strong participation from parents, have an important influence on life at the school and the feelings the community has toward the school and education. There is strong evidence that increased parent involvement in the school results in increased student achievement, accomplishment, satisfaction, and bonding all of which result in decreased dropout rates and better citizen. Whom does the PAC advise? PACs: (a) advise the board and the principal and staff of the school or the Provincial school respecting any matter relating to the school or the Provincial school, other than matters assigned to the school planning council, and (b) at the request of the SPC, assist the SPC in carrying out its functions under this Act. (c) advise their District Parents’ Advisory Council (DPAC), British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC), the Ministry of Education and any other organization, as they deem necessary.   The Purpose of a PAC can be: to provide parents with the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the school; to assist the SPC in carrying out its function; to give input into school-based decisions; to participate in goal setting; to unify efforts of the school community towards the goal of quality education; to monitor and review school rules and conduct, the safety programs, the educational programs; learning materials, equipment and the school building; to educate parents; to advocate equal educational opportunities for all students; to liaise with other education partners and organizations; and to provide methods to resolve problems between the school and community by directing parents and students to the Advocacy project.   The PAC is NOT: A forum to discuss individual students/staff problems or conflicts.   Your Involvement Parents are encouraged and invited to bring forth issues, suggestions, or concerns relating to the meeting and enhancement of the needs of your school community. These issues can be brought forth by: contacting a PAC executive member sending a letter to the school addressed to a member of the PAC executive attending a PAC meeting   DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE Co-Chairs convene and preside at all membership, special and executive meetings; in consultation with the school staff and administration, ensure that an agenda is prepared and presented; take such actions or ensure that such actions are taken by others to achieve the objectives and purpose of the Council; speak on behalf of the Council; consult with Council members; establish committees where authorized to do so by the Executive or membership; be a signing officer; report on Council activities between meetings at meetings; and ensure that Council activities are aimed at achieving the purposes set out in the constitution.   Secretary will record the minutes of the membership, special and Executive meetings; will issue and receive correspondence on behalf of the organization; file minutes of all meetings; prepare and maintain other documentation as requested by the membership or executive; may be a signing officer; and will keep an accurate copy of the constitution and bylaws, and make copies available to members upon request.   Treasurer will ensure all funds of the Council are properly accounted for; will disburse funds as authorized by the membership or executive; will ensure that proper financial records and books of account are maintained; make financial records and books of accounts available to members upon request; will be responsible for and report monthly on the accounts of the Council; will be one of the signing officers; will prepare a written year end financial report for the Annual General Meeting; and with the assistance of the executive, draft an annual budget