Parent Advisory Committee to the Superintendent

Purpose(s)/Goal:

The Parent Advisory Committee to the Superintendent (PACS) is comprised of parent representatives from each school. They meet with the Superintendent and other district staff during the school year. Members work together to:

• identify common needs and goals among the parents of students enrolled in Bellingham Public Schools and facilitate strategies to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their respective school’s parent organizations.
• provide the superintendent with feedback and insight from the parent’s perspective on school process, policies and initiatives to ensure that the needs of parents and their families are included as decisions are made in the district.
• bring to the superintendent’s attention existing and emerging issues expressed by parents at the school they represent.
• serve as an advisory, not a decision-making body, that makes recommendations, encourages brainstorming and provides opportunities for parent involvement on committees and task forces.
• facilitate communication between and among the parents and parent organizations from different district schools and serve as a forum for sharing innovations and best practices from around the district.

Basis for Establishment: 

The Parent Advisory Committee to the Superintendent is comprised of parent representatives from each school. They meet with the superintendent and other district staff during the school year to discuss a variety of topics, share information and broaden understanding of school-related issues.

Committee Type
Standing Committee

2025-26 Co-Chairs

Kate Wearn and Lorrie Melton

Responsibilities: 

• Regular meeting attendance. The committee will meet 10-11:45 a.m. at the District Office on Oct. 16, Dec. 11 (cancelled due to weather), Jan. 15 (field trip to Central Kitchen), Feb. 19, April 23 and May 14.
• Respectful and collaborative interactions with committee members