About the PACEngaging and empowering parents in the success of our schools
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Please note this is not an official MNPS website. We work in collaboration with MNPS but are a separate parent-led entity.
Purpose
The PAC serves as a catalyst for parent voice inside each Metro school, in the entire MNPS school system and across Nashville. Our aim is to provide effective involvement of all parents in MNPS, promote healthy communication, and support partnerships with and among other school community stakeholders (community organizations, MNPS admin and staff)
We advocate and engage for the sake of all children.
Learn more about how to get involved with MNPS here
What is the history of the MNPS PAC?
The Nashville Parent Advisory Council was established in 1986. The chief provision that calls for the formation of PAC is found in the parent involvement provisions of Title 1 Part A of the ESEA Act of 1965 (Elementary and Secondary Educational Act). Over the years, the MNPS PAC has operated in a variety of structures in order to best align with the structure of MNPS. From 2016-2018, several clusters had active PACs meeting at some frequency, but the overall structure and system was in a holding pattern before and during Dr. Joseph's tenure as Director of Schools. In November 2018, Dr. Joseph and Board Chair Gentry gathered a group of 20 parents from across the district to begin the process of reestablishing the PAC. From that meeting and subsequent meetings, numerous parents have established an informal planning group with the intention to officially reactivate the PAC for the ‘19/20 school year. This group tasked itself with the following:
Don't we already have PTA's, PTO's, PTSO's, and more? Why do we need a PAC?
Many schools in MNPS have SSO's ("School Support Organizations"), including PTA's, PTO's, and PTSO's. However, there is a great lack of equity between all 168 schools in relation to SSO participation, strength, and financial support to a school. In addition, there is not a cohesive structure across all SSOs. With this in mind, the PAC presents an opportunity for a more equitable solution for parent engagement and feedback across the district.
The PAC serves as a catalyst for parent voice inside each Metro school, in the entire MNPS school system and across Nashville. Our aim is to provide effective involvement of all parents in MNPS, promote healthy communication, and support partnerships with and among other school community stakeholders (community organizations, MNPS admin and staff)
We advocate and engage for the sake of all children.
Learn more about how to get involved with MNPS here
What is the history of the MNPS PAC?
The Nashville Parent Advisory Council was established in 1986. The chief provision that calls for the formation of PAC is found in the parent involvement provisions of Title 1 Part A of the ESEA Act of 1965 (Elementary and Secondary Educational Act). Over the years, the MNPS PAC has operated in a variety of structures in order to best align with the structure of MNPS. From 2016-2018, several clusters had active PACs meeting at some frequency, but the overall structure and system was in a holding pattern before and during Dr. Joseph's tenure as Director of Schools. In November 2018, Dr. Joseph and Board Chair Gentry gathered a group of 20 parents from across the district to begin the process of reestablishing the PAC. From that meeting and subsequent meetings, numerous parents have established an informal planning group with the intention to officially reactivate the PAC for the ‘19/20 school year. This group tasked itself with the following:
- Review statement of purpose and structure of the PAC
- Establish short term goals and objectives for the PAC
- Set timeline and milestones leading to PAC elections
- Work with MNPS leadership toward these goals, and support current parent engagement needs
Don't we already have PTA's, PTO's, PTSO's, and more? Why do we need a PAC?
Many schools in MNPS have SSO's ("School Support Organizations"), including PTA's, PTO's, and PTSO's. However, there is a great lack of equity between all 168 schools in relation to SSO participation, strength, and financial support to a school. In addition, there is not a cohesive structure across all SSOs. With this in mind, the PAC presents an opportunity for a more equitable solution for parent engagement and feedback across the district.