As a board member for the past 10 years in CVESD, I have been a strong advocate for parent involvement. I continuously encourage the participation of parents and actively listen to their perspectives so that I can help elevate their collective voices at the school board level. Ensuring that parents have a say in the decisions that affect their children’s education is essential for creating an inclusive and effective school district.
Parent engagement is a critical component of a thriving educational environment. As a current board member In the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD), the involvement of parents is not just encouraged but integral to the success of our schools and students. Active parent participation enriches the educational experience, strengthens community bonds, and ensures that the voices of families are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
1. Enhancing Student Achievement
Research consistently shows that students perform better academically when their parents are actively engaged in their education. Parent involvement leads to higher grades, better attendance, and increased motivation. In CVESD, we recognize that parents are partners in the educational journey, and their support at home and in school plays a crucial role in student success.
2. Building Stronger Communities
Parent engagement fosters a sense of community within schools. When parents participate in school activities, volunteer in classrooms, and attend school events, they build relationships with teachers, administrators, and other families. This sense of community creates a supportive network that benefits students and enhances the overall school climate.
3. The Role of Parent Leaders in Advisory Committees
CVESD values the input of parent leaders through various advisory committees. These committees provide a platform for parents to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and participate in shaping district policies and programs.
- District Advisory Committee (DAC): The DAC is a district-level committee comprising parents, staff, and community leaders who advise the Board of Education and district staff on behalf of Title I compensatory education program participants. Their insights help ensure that the needs of all students are met, particularly those who benefit from Title I programs.
- District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC): DELAC includes representatives from each school’s English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), which is required for schools with more than 21 English Learners. This committee advises the district on programs and services for English Learner students, ensuring that these students receive the support they need to succeed academically and linguistically.
- District Budget Advisory Committee (BAC): The BAC is composed of a parent representative from each school site and district finance personnel. This committee meets regularly to review the district budget, interim reports, and the governor’s budget proposals. The BAC provides valuable input on budgetary decisions, helping to ensure financial transparency and accountability.
4. Empowering Parents through Engagement
As a parent myself of a student in the district, I appreciate the importance of the perspective of the parent voice. By involving parents in advisory committees, CVESD empowers them to take an active role in their children’s education. Parents gain a deeper understanding of the educational system, become advocates for their children, and contribute to the development of policies that reflect the community’s needs and values.
5. Benefits of Diverse Perspectives
Parent engagement brings diverse perspectives to the table. Parents from different backgrounds and experiences offer unique insights that enrich the decision-making process. This diversity helps create more inclusive and effective educational programs and policies that cater to the varied needs of our student population.
6. Promoting Transparency and Trust
Active parent engagement promotes transparency and trust between the school district and the community. When parents are involved in advisory committees and other school activities, they gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the district. This transparency builds trust and fosters a collaborative spirit, essential for addressing issues and implementing successful initiatives.
The importance of parent engagement in CVESD cannot be overstated. By actively involving parents in advisory committees such as the DAC, DELAC, and BAC, we ensure that the voices of families are heard and considered in decision-making processes. This engagement leads to better student outcomes, stronger community bonds, and a more transparent and inclusive educational environment. CVESD is committed to fostering parent engagement, recognizing that it is a vital ingredient in the recipe for student and district success. As both a board member and a parent, I am dedicated to ensuring that every family feels empowered and valued in our district.