The Marysville School District is forming a pair of parent groups that will help shape the future for local students.
The district recently sent invitations to local parents to volunteer for the Parent Council and the Facilities Planning Community Task Force.
The Parent Council will look at academic, school and community topics. District officials hope to secure 15 members, five each representing grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.
The parent group will meet quarterly, in September, December, February and April.
Marysville Superintendent Diane Allen said there has been a strong response to the call for volunteers.
“We have about 130 people who are interested,” Allen said. “We are looking for a way to engage with everyone who signed up.”
Allen said the Parent Council is a reflection of the district’s strategic plan to enhance community engagement.
Those interested may continue to volunteer through May 31.
The Facilities Planning Community Task Force will be comprised of parents, community leaders and business owners.
Members of the group will be asked to provide oversight into creating the district’s long-range facilities master plan. The group will help the district navigate the next 10-15 years in regards to facilities accommodating future enrollment.
The district recently secured the services of the HPM company to assist with the planning for future facility needs.
As the district enrollment continues to climb, officials are targeting a window near the end of the decade when all school construction debt will be paid off. This would allow a “no new taxes” type of levy is be created that would allow the district to build new facility.
The task force will be helping coordinate strategies supported by community demographics, condition of existing facilities and financial concerns.
The district is looking for 30 members to serve in the task force and attend five meetings from September to April of next year. About 40 individuals have signed up for the group. Those not selected will be offered opportunities to participate in the planning process.
“We will try to balance the group with representation and experiences from a wide range of people who signed up,” Allen said.
Members will be asked to provide insight on communication strategies, take part in community meetings and advise the school board and consultant.