Advisory councils and committees
Districts and schools have ongoing projects, some major and some routine. Often parents and local citizens are included on councils or committees to ensure that the entire community has a voice in decisions or activities related to the young people who are part of the area. Committee topics include items such as extra-curricular event planning, school zone lines, remodeling or building new facilities.

School board meetings
Your district’s school board meets regularly, usually once a month, to establish and review policies and goals. Meetings may be more frequent if needed, usually based on the size of the district. The district calendar is posted on the main website and indicates if the meeting covers regular business. Community members may attend these meetings. Each district has a procedure to follow if a citizen wishes to address the board. Contact your district office for information about gaining permission to speak to the board if you wish to do so. Note that there may be specially-called meetings closed to public visits.

For regularly scheduled school board meetings, an agenda is available. Local board minutes and news reports provide a record of what discussions and actions take place at board meetings.

Where to learn about opportunities
Your school and its parent organization (e.g., PTA or PTO) have information about how parents can be involved with the school. Ask your student for notes or newsletters sent to parents. Review your child’s teacher’s information sheet from the beginning of the year and stay in touch with the teacher as the year progresses. Visit your district’s website or follow it on social media such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay abreast of current information.

Facebook: Department of Education; @TennesseeEducation
Instagram: @TnDeptofEdu
Twitter: @TNedu