Mission Statement

The Fisher Elementary School Advisory Council (PAC) is an organization of all parents and guardians, which serves as a forum for the sharing of ideas and discussion of school related issues, encourages parental participation and supports and enhances the educational process at Fisher Elementary School and supports other Walpole Community endeavors.

In support of this mission, we will:

· Inform parents about the school and the needs of the students;

· Represent the needs and concerns of Fisher to the school system and town representatives as well as to any school related groups and committees;

· Provide student enrichment programs;

· Offer speakers and discussion groups on topics of interest;

· Encourage participation in community service;

· Raise funds to implement our goals and objectives.

BY-LAWS/Policy & Procedures Guidelines

The Fisher Elementary School PAC will be open to all parents and guardians of Fisher students.

The school principal serves as an advisor. A teacher representative may serve as staff liaison. Staff members are welcome to attend meetings.

Fisher PAC will have a steering committee consisting of a chairperson(s), secretary and treasurer. Other positions will be added by a majority vote of the PAC as needed. A secret ballot will be employed when more than one person is running for a position.

Fisher PAC will usually meet on the first Wednesday of each month from September through May, with the exception of December. Chairperson(s) shall announce changes to dates and times as may prove necessary. A PAC meeting will be cancelled if school is closed due to inclement weather.

Budget and Finances

The PAC treasurer will develop a budget each year in September based upon the goals and objectives of the PAC. Those present will vote on the budget at the next PAC meeting.

Allocation of funds will be guided by suggestions from parents and staff.

Spending will be authorized by a majority vote of those present. For items in excess of $200.00, one month's meeting notice will be given for deliberation, and a secret ballot will be employed. Unexpected, time-sensitive expenses of $200.00 or less will be authorized by a majority vote of the steering committee and announced at the next PAC meeting.

Committees

Committees will be formed as needed to implement the goals and objectives of the PAC.

Communications

Every effort will be made to publicize meetings and agendas one week in advance.

Requests for topics to be included in the agenda should be submitted to the chairperson(s) two weeks prior to the meeting date. New or unexpected business will fall under “Other Business.”

Parents unable to attend meetings are encouraged to express opinion through another member, a room parent, a steering committee member or though the PAC mail box located in the main office.

Minutes of the PAC meeting will be distributed to all parents and guardians of Fisher Elementary School students through either written notice, email, or the PAC website.

Only PAC chairperson(s), and other persons specifically authorized by the PAC membership may release materials for publication. Such materials must relate to PAC business and not contain personal opinion. All materials must be submitted to the Fisher School Principal for review, must not violate the privacy of any individual, and be in compliance with state and federal privacy laws (FERPA).

PAC Website

Information displayed on the PAC website will directly relate to PAC business or Walpole community endeavors, and not contain personal opinion.

At all times at least two members of the PAC will have editing rights to the website content. If possible one shall be a member of the PAC steering committee.
Editors will make the usual and customary changes to the site as required. Major changes in scope or content shall be approved by a majority vote of the PAC.
Names and pictures of students will not be included on the website unless consent from student’s parents/guardians has been obtained.
PAC Chairperson(s) shall order the immediate removal of any content they deem inappropriate.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising events will be approved by a majority of those present at a PAC meeting in cooperation with the school principal and in accordance with the school committee guidelines. Advertisements, fliers, notices etc. will indicate that funds are being raised for the “Fisher School PAC.” Care will be taken not to indicate or imply that funds are being raised for “Fisher School,” “Fisher School Children,” “Fisher School Students,” etc.

AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this document may be made by the majority of those present at the meeting, provided the proposed change or addition has been publicized in advance of the meeting at which the vote will take place.

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT PAC AGENDA TIMES/MEETINGS

· PAC groups are not a government unit and not subject to any open meeting laws;

· The agendas can and must be set by the appropriate executive board of the PAC;

· The PAC is not an automatic forum for any citizen who wishes to address the PAC;

· The PAC can decide whether someone who is a PAC member or someone who is visiting can address and insist on being heard by the PAC;

· The PAC is not obligated to include anyone with a personal issue to be placed on the agenda.