In Oceanside, San Diego County, Oceanside Unified School District’s Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) held its inaugural meeting of the school year Oct. 18 under the theme Parent and Family Engagement. DPAC hopes to demonstrate the value and importance of local collaboration and cooperation. CTA Community Engagement Grant funds help underwrite the project, which will enable the community to work together to support their local public schools. More than 40 teachers, parents, family members and administrators embraced the topic, participating in discussions and activities that will improve communication and enhance educational outcomes for every Oceanside student.

These gatherings encourage educators, administrators, and community members from all OUSD schools to share ideas, concerns and information with one another. DPAC is also a forum to discuss and address potential institutional and other challenges faced by students that may be impeding their success.

The Oceanside Teachers Association uses CTA Community Engagement Grant revenue in part to provide food and any necessary child care for the meeting attendees.

Two Oceanside parents, Todd Madison and Stacy Begin, work with the district to take information generated from DPAC to plan future meetings and provide input to Local Control Accountability Plan, School Site Council, and Parent Network meetings.

DPAC’s next topic focus will be School Safety. Members are hoping for an even larger turnout. All are welcome and can register online for the next DPAC event at Foussat Elementary School in November.