As members of the council, they will meet two times this year with Cox to discuss education issues in Georgia. Their primary focus will be increasing parent and family engagement to ensure student success.
"As the mother of two boys, one a sophomore in high school and one a sophomore in college, I know first-hand the important role that parents play in the education of their children," Cox said. "I look forward to working with these parents as they provide me and the Georgia Department of Education with great advice about getting parents more involved for the sake of our students' success."
The meetings will allow parents to provide feedback and input on new policies, projects, and materials that influence students and their families.
The Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council will share the information they learn with community members, other families, and schools. They will also serve as advisors and ambassadors in their respective communities.
The first meeting is on February 25 and will be held at the Georgia Department of Education.
The council members from northeast Georgia are: Melinda Smith, representing the Lumpkin County School System; Stanley Bermudez, Clarke County schools; Anthony Scott, representing Gwinnett County schools; Andre Jones, representing the Gainesville School System; Wausheka McClary, Elbert County schools; and, State Sen. Jim Butterworth of Habersham County, the legislative member of the panel.
"I look forward to working with these parents as they provide me and the Georgia Department of Education with great advice about getting parents more involved for the sake of our students' success," Cox said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/2/226862