Benton Harbor Area Schools

Engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes is crucial for inclusive and effective governance. In order to engage parents, caregivers, community members, and students here are a few steps I would want to implement:

Parent and Caregiver Engagement. For example, Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) involvement,
Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) for specific topics, volunteer opportunities in schools,surveys and feedback mechanisms, and more
Parent-teacher conferences/progress updates.


Community Engagement:
Provide an opportunity to LISTEN via Community Forums, listening sessions, collaborations with community groups and faith-based organizations, public hearings on key issues, social media and online engagement platforms, and community representative committees

*Student Engagement:*

1. Student Government Association (SGA) involvement
2. Student Advisory Committees
3. Student Focus Groups
4. Student Ambassadors Program
5. Student-Led Conferences and Presentations
6. Student Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms
7. Inclusive decision-making processes for student-related policies

*Budgeting and Curriculum Decision-Making:*

1. Public Budget Hearings
2. Budget Advisory Committees (BACs)
3. Curriculum Review Committees with stakeholder representation
4. Transparent budget and curriculum documents
5. Community and parent review of proposed changes
6. Teachers input on curriculum and programs
7. Regular progress updates and evaluations

*District Policy Decision-Making:*

1. Policy Advisory Committees with diverse representation
2. Public Comment Periods
3. Stakeholder Feedback Mechanisms
4. Board of Education Meetings with public input
5. Transparent policy documents and revisions
6. Community and parent engagement in policy development
7. Student input on policies affecting them

*Inclusive and Accessible Practices:*


1. Accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair accessibility)
2. Virtual meeting options
3. Culturally responsive engagement strategies
4.Training for staff and board members on diversity, equity, and inclusion

*Evaluation and Feedback:*

1. Regular evaluation of engagement strategies
2. Feedback mechanisms for stakeholders
3. Adjustments to engagement strategies based on feedback
4. Annual reports on stakeholder engagement
5. Continuous improvement of decision-making processes

By implementing these strategies, our district can foster a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and collaborative decision-making.