PACT Charter School

Original Creation Date: October 2009
Last Approved By: PACT Charter School Board of Directors
Last Approved Date: February 6, 2025
Year Reviewed: 2024-2025

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The primary purpose of the District Advisory Committee (DAC) is to ensure active community participation in all phases of planning and to improve the instruction and curriculum, affecting state and local academic standards and improving academic outcomes for all students.

DAC is vital in supporting teaching and learning by serving as a collaborative bridge between teachers, district administration, and the broader school community. This committee provides a platform for stakeholders to share insights, feedback, and innovative ideas aimed at enhancing educational programs and student outcomes. Through regular meetings, the DAC reviews curriculum initiatives, instructional practices, and helps assess district-wide goals to ensure alignment with the community’s needs and educational standards. By fostering open communication and collaboration, the DAC helps shape policies and strategies that promote effective teaching and learning, while also advocating for resources and professional development to support educators in delivering high-quality instruction.

This will be done by working with the administration, staff, and the committees of the School Board to analyze data and recommend rigorous academic instructional practices impacting student achievement goals for school improvement. (Reference MN Statute 120B.11, Subd 3 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=120b.11#stat.120B.11.3)

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

The DAC membership consists of six appointed parents, three appointed faculty or staff members representing the Elementary and Secondary programs, one appointed Secondary student, one appointed community member, and the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, who also serves as the district Literacy Lead. The Elementary Principal, the Secondary Principal, and one Board member serve as advisors to the DAC, providing input and insight into the work happening at both the elementary and secondary campus locations. The School Board will confirm the appointments of this committee. Each term lasts two school years (June to June), and there is no limit to the number of terms an individual can be appointed. Terms will be staggered. Vacancies will be filled by board appointment for the duration of the vacant term. 

Recommendations to the Board require a quorum to be present. A quorum for the DAC comprises a simple majority of members, and at least one should be a parent. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The DAC will report directly to the PACT School Board of Directors and work collaboratively toward school improvement goals.

 MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Each member is responsible for being familiar with PACT policies and philosophies pertinent to the program.
2. All members are responsible for being informed on those items that directly apply to the DAC through regular attendance and reading the minutes/notes from each meeting.
3. The committee shall elect the chair and vice-chair of the DAC in the spring of each year.
4. The chair will set the agenda and communicate with the administration, review meeting minutes of the meetings, and work with committee members to ensure the confidentiality of information.
5. The vice-chair will fill the chair role in the absence of the chair. 
6. The chair or vice-chair will keep minutes for the meeting when the clerk is unavailable. They will also identify action points from each meeting.

COMMITTEE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Activate community participation in all planning stages and recommendations to the Board of Directors for  Title I Plan annual plan, local literacy plan, curriculum review, course rotation and new courses in secondary programming, the curriculum review cycle, recommending rigorous course offerings aligned to the MN academic standards, and making recommendations to administration and the Board of Directors regarding student achievement goals as part of the district’s Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Goals. The DAC will maintain and recommend approval of such necessary policies to complete the committee’s tasks. Such policies shall be subject to approval from the School Board of Directors.
2. The DAC will work with the administration and recommend funds to support school improvement.
3. Minutes will be taken of all meetings, delineating major topics, discussions, and action points.
4. Meeting dates will be scheduled to best align with the agenda creation of the School Board of Directors and a schedule that works best for all members. 
5. The DAC will post their agendas a minimum of 48 hours before any meeting and indicate which items will require a vote at the meeting.
6. Voting: A majority vote will determine all recommendations made within DAC. Each committee member will carry one vote.