Neither DAC or BAC require a significant time commitment, but both are great ways to engage, learn more about the wonderful work occurring in the Meeker School District and to provide recommendations to school administrators and the school board.
Because the word “accountability” is included in the name, confusion often exists about the appropriate role of the DACs and BACs.
Colorado Revised Statutes govern the role of both committees (C.R.S. 22-11-301 to 22-11-306 for DAC and C.R.S. 22-11-401 to 22-11-406 for BAC). Upon reviewing these statutes, the roles of DAC and BAC are clearly delineated as committees with advisory authority and are not intended to be used for accountability purposes.
Verbs such as “recommend,” “advise,” “review,” “provide input” or “consider input” are used to describe the powers and duties of DAC and BAC. In general, these powers and duties involve recommendations regarding the school district budget, individual school budgets, improvement planning, charter school applications, assessment tools, evaluation processes for principals, school district code of conduct and parent engagement/involvement.
Additionally, the local school district board of education can request that a DAC take on responsibilities as directed by the school board. While the statutory responsibilities of a DAC and BAC are advisory in nature, they still provide an avenue for the district to gain phenomenal perspective from parents and community members.
This perspective helps shape the course of the district and the schools within the district. A well-functioning DAC or BAC will provide insight and perspective that will ultimately promote higher levels of student learning for all students in the school district.
Participation in either of these groups only requires a time commitment of approximately one to two hours per month. Individuals with an interest in participating in a DAC should contact Superintendent Chris Selle. Individuals with an interest in participating in one of the BAC groups should contact the respective building principal.
The school district greatly desires your input.
Because it serves less than 1,000 students, the Meeker School District is not required to maintain school-level accountability committees (BAC). However, because we encourage the input of parents, we have consciously chosen to keep the Building Accountability Committees for each school in place.
In my short time in the Meeker School District, I have been thoroughly impressed with the level of parental engagement and the wonderful ideas shared by many of our parents. That is one more reason for me to proudly proclaim: I am a Meeker Cowboy!
