U-46's Citizens' Advisory Council seeks volunteers

The Citizens' Advisory Council at Elgin Area School District U-46 helps guide current and future education initiatives for more than 40,000 kindergarten to 12th grade students.

This nearly 60-year-old advisory group is seeking additional members as it convenes for the first time this school year on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive.

"The CAC offers one of the very best avenues for parents to make a positive impact on our children's education and districtwide issues," said council chairwoman Melissa Owens.

"Whether your child is in kindergarten or on her way to graduation day, we need thoughtful and active volunteers to voice their observations, concerns and ideas for making the state's second largest district even better."

This coming year, the council will continue to work on comprehensive district issues, including enrollment and facilities issues, curriculum, assessment and finance.

The council will be particularly focused on increasing ways for parents to hone their advocacy and engagement skills, reviewing the early implementation of new science curricula and presenting information on Special Education programs and service specialists.

The council meets once a month to share ideas and learn about how students are educated in the district. Additionally, there are committees that focus on curriculum, enrollment and facilities, family and community engagement, finances and legislative issues and special education and services.

The 7 p.m. meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10, offers an opportunity for district parents and community members to better get to know CAC members and district issues.

"Studies have long documented the link between parental involvement and improved academic performance," said Tony Sanders, U-46's Chief Executive Officer.

"We need parents who become involved in school governance issues to improve communication between schools and parents and increase the number of parents who can serve as resources for the academic, social and emotional development of our students."

The advisory council welcomes all U-46 parents and interested residents who live within the district boundaries to become a member. Council representatives serve as liaisons between their schools and the Council and district, representing the needs, ideas and concerns of their schools at a district level.

The Citizens' Advisory Council has been instrumental in multiple district issues. Some accomplishments include:

• Helping launch the district's gifted programming;

• Improving special education services, including development of a bilingual video about understanding a child's Individualized Education Plan;

• Increasing and improving communication around district finances;

• Improving district and school plans;

• Engaging U-46 families;

• Improving the roll out of new curriculum initiatives

Each U-46 school can have up to seven members on the council; five appointed by the school and two at-large members. Representatives attend monthly meetings and are strongly encouraged to join committees. Parents interested in representing their child's school should contact their principal.