At the Rochester Community School Board Meeting on December 14, 2022, Trustee Elect Andrew Weaver asked what Policy the DEIPN parent group followed to be placed on the board agenda (item 4.6 DEIPN Update). This question should not have come as a surprise to anyone as per the board-accepted practice; the administration was given a heads-up, and it was posted for the community to see.
What is the Policy for All Parent Groups?
Weaver pointed out that the RCS has a documented process for citizens to request placement on the agenda. Which has been moved down the agenda (Item 8.1 Citizens Requesting Placement on the Agenda).
Trustee Barb Anness wanted to know what specific parent group Weaver was referring to, asking, “Can I ask what specifically what other parent groups you’re talking about?”
Weaver made it clear he was inquiring about the policy, saying, “No, I won’t tell you specifically because, again, it can be available to any parent group. You tell me where the Policy is that the DEIPN follow to get on the agenda.”
VP Kristin Bull named other committees that Trustees are involved with. And they are offered the opportunity to be placed on the agenda, such as the RAYA, PAC, and PTA.
What Makes Parent Groups Different?
There are a few specific differences between the organizations listed by Bull.
The Michigan Administrative Rule for Special Education requires the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
The Rochester Community PTA Council is a non-profit association of the PTA/PTSA units of each of the elementary, middle, and high schools of Rochester Community Schools. The Council is organized under the authority of the Michigan PTA.
The Rochester Area Youth Assistance (RAYA) is registered as a 501(c)3 non-profit. The board comprises Chair Debbie Jone, Vice Chair Ryan Smith, Secretary Dave Murphy, Membership Maria Willett, and Temporary Treasure Steve Greene. RAYA’s email address is RAYA@rochester.k12.mi.us, held by the school district.
The Diversity Equity & Inclusion Parent Network (DEIPN) is listed on the RCS website. It states, “We can put you in communication with the DEIPN board for more information about this parent/caregiver-led group.” There is no link provided to access who is on the board. The DEIPN Facebook page does not provide a website or transparency about who is leading it.
Back to the Original Question
What is the Policy for any parent group to request placement on the school board meeting agenda?
Do you have a specific example where a parent group was denied the right to be on the agenda? Not sure exactly what the point of this article is other than to remind the reader when Trustee Anness’s term is up via ghe graphic provided.