TASK FORCE
Task forces are time-bound and outcome-focused groups that are convened to support an organization or district’s mission, strategic objectives or program activities.
- Parent voice would be important
Provide real time feedback or concerns, diverse perspectives, humanize issues, provide voice for youth, pros and cons of implementation
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
Time commitment, goals, mission, and possible risks
- What you can gain from being involved
Experience, knowledge, increased network and contacts, resources, input into process, influence positive outcomes
LOCAL BOARDS OF HEALTH
Local Boards of Health are required by state statue. Elected or appointed members are given the legal authority to set policies and make local regulations to protect public and environmental health. Boards of Health develop, implement and enforce health policies, may oversee inspections to maintain minimum standards for sanitation in housing and food service, and assure that the basic health needs of their community are being met.
- Parent voice would be important
Inform school/PTA events about food issues, unsanitary conditions and local environmental issues
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
Is special training or expertise required, time commitment, how to run for office
- What you can gain from being involved
Improve the safety in your community, knowledge, leadership skills, learn about other local boards
PTA/PTO
Parent Teacher Associations or Organizations engage and empower families and communities to support schools and ensure a positive school experience for all children.
- Parent voice would be important
Help shape school policies, make events family friendly and inclusive
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
How to run for office, how to access leadership training, time commitment
- What you can gain from being involved
Support your school community, knowledge, experience
MUNICIPAL COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
A Commission on Disability is defined by MA law to cause the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in a city or town, as well as advise municipal officials in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws that affect people with disabilities.
- Parent voice would be important
Develop public awareness, provide municipal awareness of concerns of residents
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
Group purpose and role, time commitment, meeting schedule
- What you can gain from being involved
Resources, knowledge of laws, connections to local government
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School committee establishes educational goals and policies for the schools in the district, consistent with the requirements of the law and statewide goals and standards established by the Board of Education.
- Parent voice would be important
Advocate for special education, influence budget, help group approach issues from multiple angles
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
Election process, town resources and players, understanding of budgets
- What you can gain from being involved
Promote inclusions, build connections within your community, stepping stone to other political positions
SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
Each public school shall have a school site council consisting of the principal, community members and shall include parents of students attending the school who are chosen by school elections. The Site Council shall assist in identifying the educational needs of the students, review the annual school budget and help form a school improvement plan.
- Parent voice would be important
Help focus resources on areas of need, promote inclusion, identify educator professional development needs
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
Time commitment and schedule, definition of role, election process
- What you can gain from being involved
A voice and awareness in determining school priorities, understanding of principal’s role
DESE ADVISORY COUNCILS
These councils advise the Commissioner and Board of Education on matters relative to their area of focus pertaining to education in MA. Most councils, including the Special Education Advisory Council, meet 3-4 times per year and look for diverse membership.
- Parent voice would be important
Parent perspective (on special education), ensure students have access to the curriculum
- Before becoming a member – Need to Know
Time commitment, how much meeting preparation, knowledge of the law
- What you can gain from being involved
Insight into state operations, networking, meet other with similar interests, expand horizons
