Parent Involvement Committee Update (PIC)

I attended the Board’s PIC meeting last week – with Yaw Obeng (Superintendent of Education).  This was a VERY productive meeting.  Yaw came  with a written draft, compromising of thoughts and comments he had collected from various parents (via emails and the last meeting). 

Click here to see the draft:    Working Document PIC March 2008

 This gave the group a starting point.  We worked through it, commenting and discussing how parents felt about the various points as outlined.

There was some great discussion.  I truly felt Yaw was trying to establish a structure that would be comfortable for all concerned parties.

Key points to note:  Under PIC Planning Team Membership,  the parents from Milton requested, and it was agreed upon, that Georgetown, Milton and Acton, all have a parent rep. as opposed to the North Halton Family of Schools have 3 reps.  Their argument was that each of the three areas have very different needs/concerns and it would be best to allow them separate representation.

Also under PIC Planning Team Membership- I lobbied for Halton Council of Home and Schools to have a representative.  I approached this with the reasoning that we represent a large number of schools, and therefore a large number of parents.  Much to my delight – the table was ALL FOR THIS.

Finally, a hot topic was the Selection Process section – particularly what the “selection criteria” would be – a final consenses was not reached.

Yaw encouraged parents to send their comments on this to him via email.  (obengy@hdsb.ca)

As  Yaw (and the Halton Board) are experiencing some direct pressure for accountability from the Ministry of Ed, he asked that we name a Chair  so he could provide a progress report to the MOE.  Everyone felt this was a fair request.  Kelly Amos for White Oak Secondary  agreed to take on the role in an INTERIM capacity (ie:  until the end of June).

It was determined  the formal PIC committee will be up and running by September 2008. 

Another meeting is scheduled for April – not sure if it will be the 24th or 10th (I’m for the 10th as it gives us a couple more weeks to work during this school year).  I will let you know.

Comments?  Questions?