Purpose:

The State College Area Board of School Directors recognizes the importance of drawing upon the expertise of the citizens of the district in the processes of problem solving and policy development. A prime vehicle for citizen involvement will be Citizen Advisory Committees (CACs)

Guidelines:

Citizen involvement in the school system can contribute to the following goals:

1. To stimulate the interest and awareness of citizens regarding the educational affairs and operations of the schools.

2. To involve citizens in a meaningful way in analyzing problems and shaping the decisions which confront the school system.

3. To develop better communications and understanding between the community and the school system.

4. To work toward a unity of action and citizen support upon which the education of students depends.

The Board may establish a CAC by defining a charge and a length of tenure to address specific strategic issues, topics, or problems confronting the school system. Typically, the function of a CAC will be:

1. To clarify problems.

2. To gather facts.

3. To organize and analyze data.

4. To identify and evaluate alternative solutions.

5. To make recommendations for action by the Board.

6. To assist in communicating the final decision to the community.

The role of the CAC will be advisory and/or consultative. By establishing a CAC, the Board in no way will relinquish its statutory responsibility for making decisions which will affect the school system.

To the extent possible, the Board will strive to ensure that the membership of each CAC reflects the community as a whole, rather than being dominated by narrowly focused interest groups. If members of the professional staff are to be included on a CAC, they shall be nominated by the Superintendent.

The Board reserves for itself the right to establish or to dissolve a CAC at any time but will consider the advice and recommendation of the Superintendent before doing so.