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In developing your role as a school leader one of the most important priorities that must be set is a clear and thorough plan for communication and involvement of your school community’s parents. Building confidence among the community you serve is of high importance not only among the students but with the staff and all stakeholders involved in the student’s education. When staff, parents, and the community as a whole believes in the school, we can assert that students will understand that everyone is on the same page and that is when student achievement can increase within our buildings. Addressing public relations within a school community means addressing the needs, wants, and hopes of all stakeholders. Noting that Rome wasn’t built in a day; addressing, planning, and showing progress to these stakeholders is imperative as our roles as school leaders. Involving these stakeholders within the entire process makes them part of the process and brings ownership to staff, students, and parents creating a school climate where stakeholders feel empowered and student success is at the forefront.

What makes up an effective parental involvement plan? Addressing areas of classroom support, meetings, volunteer opportunities, a school-parent compact for Title I funding, decision making, resources, and surveys. I will address all of these concepts for parental involvement within the Bennett School District through the lens of the Athletic Department. As the district Athletic Director, I feel that this will greatly impact the scope of our athletics department and help our district make progress in this area.