Parent advisory councils (PACs)

According to the B.C. Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, parental involvement in education results in greater success for students, better attitudes towards school and higher graduation rates. Participating in a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is one opportunity among many to participate in your child's education.

Like District Parent Advisory Councils, PACs may choose to be members of the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils.

Responsibilities

The PAC is the legislated parent voice at the school level advising on any matter relevant to the school. The PAC represents the collective view of parents of children in the school.

As a result of recent changes to the School Act, parent advisory councils are now responsible for electing parent representatives to school planning councils. They also work with school principals to promote effective two-way communication between the school, the parent community and School Planning Councils.

Please see School Planning Councils.

Parent advisory council membership

All parents and guardians of children in a school are automatically members of that school's PAC and entitled to attend and vote at general meetings. A school's principal or vice-principal and a teacher representative may also attend PAC meetings. Some PACs, especially at the secondary level, have a student representative as well.

Contact your parent advisory council

Contact your local school to find out more about the Parent Advisory Council. You can also contact the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils on the Web or call them at 604 687-4433.