FORT WALTON BEACH — Mary Beth Jackson, Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools, is looking for area residents to fill positions on School Advisory Councils.
A media release stating the effort reads, in part:
"Have you ever watched the nightly news and thought, 'I have an idea to improve our schools'? If so, then the Okaloosa County School District has an opportunity for you!
"A strong, vital school system is crucial to the local economy, and we have one of the best right here in Okaloosa County – ranked No. 2 in Florida.
"Now, your schools need your unique skills and experience. The district’s individual schools are looking for community partners to serve on their School Advisory Councils.
"No children in the district? Not sure which school to help? No problem! Beyond traditional curriculum, our schools have diverse programs such as biomedical, aerospace engineering, IT, robotics, culinary, HVAC, just to name a very few of our career programs that make our district so special."
The school district will match council members' professional skills to a program where they can help many students prepare for the future.
"Council members are entrusted with the improvement of their public school. Underlying the law that created these councils is a belief that all children can learn, and that the public schools can and will change to better prepare students for today’s and tomorrow’s workplace," the release stated.
"Each public school is unique. It has its own community setting, resources, challenges, and most importantly, a student population unlike any other. The people best suited to decide what will be effective in helping our students learn are the people closest to each school: the principal, faculty and staff, parents, students, local business people, and community members. These 'stakeholders' are represented on your advisory council."
The release states SACs are governed by state statute and have clearly defined roles. The SAC:
●“council shall be the sole body responsible for final decision making at the school relating to implementation of provisions of ss.1001.42 (18) and 1008.345” (implement school improvement and accountability)
●“assists” in the preparation and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) or School Performance Plan (SPP)
●“assists” the principal with the school budget
●decides how school improvement funds are spent
●decides jointly with school faculty how A+ recognition funds are spent – except after Feb. 1
● perform functions as prescribed by regulations of the school board.
The councils consist of 17 members, made up of the school principal, instructional and/or support staff, parents, students, and community partners.
SACs meet just once a month, and provide an extremely valuable role in shaping our district.
"Our goal is not to be the No. 2 district, and our schools need your input to make the leap to No. 1," the superintendent stated in the media release.
For more information in joining a SAC, contact Denise McLaughlin, denise.mclaughlin@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us, or 833-3385. Those who already know the school that’s right for them may contact that school directly.
Get more information at http://www.okaloosaschools.com/district/sac.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: JACKSON: Okaloosa schools need your leadership and skills