What's going on...

Some parents at Silver Mesa elementary are interested in exploring the option of a PTO. Canyon's District didn't have a policy allowing parents to choose which group best fit their school. Now they do.

District Policy

Quick review... Canyons District has a new policy. It is regarding parent support organizations. In the past it was very difficult,

Update

On Tuesday night the Canyon's School Board of Education approved a new policy. This policy will allow parents to choose which parent group is best for their school. This policy

Tonight!

There is a school board meeting tonight. They will be addressing several items including a new cell tower at Jordan High School. They are also going to address a policy that allows for parents to choose which parent volunteer organization they want at their school. Kind of a big deal!

Update

Last night the school board decided to table the policy for two weeks (until they meet next). They would like more input regarding the policy and would like to make sure more people are aware of the proposed policy. You can read the current policy HERE. They might change or update the policy before the next board meeting so make sure to check their website HERE for the most up to date info. The policy is giving parents a choice and a voice.

My own take on the steps of the policy are:

School Board Meeting

This Tuesday, August 18th at 7:30 p.m. there is a school board meeting for the Canyons School District. Among other items, they will be discussing a policy that give parents the ability to choose what is best for their kids and school (this will be the 3rd and possibly final reading of the policy). We would love to see you there to support parent choice. It is at the district building (9361 South 300 East). I will be staying for the whole meeting, but you can come and stay for the policy discussion and then leave. If you have any questions leave a comment or note in the space provided on the left. Hope to see you there. This policy is a big deal! See below for the most recent version of the policy.

What do YOU think?

The Canyons School District just had their second reading of a new policy. This policy outlines the steps an organization needs to go through to be able to petition for a vote. This vote would allow an organization other than PTA the opportunity to be the parent organization at a school. This policy will cover not only elementary schools, but middle and high schools as well. I encourage everyone  to read the policy and email the district with your comments. Some points I feel are important are:

  - Ask for a fair chance to vote – the sooner the better – and to keep the process simple.
   - Tell the district that parents are excited by the idea of having an all-inclusive parent group, with an opt-out opportunity, like PTOs in other states have done
   - When it comes to voting, ask that only parents be allowed to weigh in on this decision, since it is their volunteer organization.

E-mail any comments to: nancy.tingey@canyonsdistrict.org and jim.briscoe@canyonsdistrict.org
  
Click on this link to find the policy on the school district website. Find the file that is titled "Revised Clean Version Draft Policy Parent School Support": http://www.boarddocs.com/ut/canyons/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=9YUK5F502F38
 
Below is the entire policy: