DPI launches statewide parent advisory council

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has launched a new statewide parent advisory council intended to bring family input into public education policy and implementation.

State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green announced the North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council on Thursday. DPI said the council is designed to strengthen family engagement in public education and support implementation of the state’s Strategic Plan.

The council will include parent leaders from across North Carolina and will be organized around the eight State Board of Education regions. DPI said the word “parent” is being used broadly for the initiative and includes guardians and other primary caregivers who play a central role in a child’s education.

“As we continue to implement our Strategic Plan, it is critical that we engage families not just as stakeholders, but as informed partners,” Green said in the announcement. “This Council will help us build a strong group of leaders who understand our system and can provide meaningful input to improve outcomes for students.”

Applications opened June 4 and must be submitted by Sept. 15. DPI said district superintendents, charter school leaders and lab school leaders are encouraged to help identify and support potential applicants, though applicants may also apply without being nominated.

The state superintendent will appoint 16 to 24 members from the applicant pool, with representation from each of the eight State Board regions.

Selected members will participate in a virtual orientation led by state education leaders. DPI said the orientation will cover school governance and funding, state and local education systems, accountability and performance measures, and the priorities in the state Strategic Plan.

The council is expected to begin meeting quarterly in November. Most meetings will be held virtually, and members are expected to serve two-year terms.

Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.