Cultivating collective voices

The architects of connection: Family engagement specialists While the existence of diverse advisory committees is crucial, their effective operation requires dedicated support and coordination. Navigating these groups is not an easy feat, particularly given their number and the varied needs they represent. To ensure their success and sustained impact, we have designated what we call Family Engagement Specialists. These specialists are the operational backbone of our parent involvement strategy, serving as direct liaisons and facilitators for our key parent advisory committees.

Currently, we have three Family Engagement Specialists who support the three main parent advisory committees we have. Their role transcends mere administrative oversight; their main focus and function is to assist the officers of those parent advisory committees with their agendas, the resources necessary for them to carry out their monthly and daily tasks, and to help facilitate any presentations they would want to see in their advisory committee. This hands-on support ensures that the committees are well-organized, productive, and responsive to the evolving needs of their members.

The impact of these specialists extends far beyond the monthly PAC meetings. They provide feedback to the district and are also integral voices within their own schools. For example, in our parent advisory committees we have parents who are also part of the School Site Councils within their own schools that their children attend or on different committees such as District English Learner Advisory Committee or Migrant PAC. This interconnectedness is by design. By empowering parents within the district-level PACs, we foster a ripple effect, encouraging them to become active participants and leaders at their individual school sites. This multi-tiered engagement strategy ensures that feedback from voices we do not usually hear from are systematically brought to the forefront, enriching our understanding and informing our actions across the entire district.

Rhythm and reach: Operationalizing engagement Consistency and accessibility are paramount to sustaining parent involvement. The meetings normally take place once a month, providing a regular cadence for dialogue and collaboration. Recognizing the diverse schedules of our parents, we employ a rotating schedule of monthly meetings, which ensures that opportunities for participation are maximized. This flexibility is a testament to our commitment to meet parents where they are.

Furthermore, a key operational principle is ensuring equitable access to information. We try to streamline and provide each advisory committee with the same information. This commitment to transparency and consistent communication builds trust and ensures that all parents, regardless of their committee affiliation, are equally informed about district initiatives, challenges, and successes. This unified information flow prevents silos and fosters a collective sense of ownership over the district’s progress.

Celebrating commitment: Honoring our parent leaders Engagement is not just about participation; it’s about recognition and appreciation. One of the areas that we pride ourselves in is celebrating those individuals who are part of our advisory committees. We understand that parent involvement, particularly at this level, requires significant time, effort, and dedication. To acknowledge this invaluable contribution, once a year we have a parent volunteer celebration where we honor parents for their hard work and time commitment.

This annual celebration is far from a mere formality. It is a deeply meaningful event where we hand out certificates and provide a beautiful dinner to highlight the work that they have achieved. This public acknowledgment serves multiple purposes: It expresses our profound gratitude, validates their efforts, and inspires others to engage. More importantly, this level of success provides parents with tools that empower them to be invested in their own students’ academic careers. The celebration reinforces the idea that their efforts directly contribute to their children’s success and the overall well-being of the school community.

We firmly believe that the more resources and tools parents have, the easier it is for them to navigate the school system. This empowerment is not just about providing information; it’s about building capacity and confidence. We want to strengthen and embody the voices of our parents, making them true co-creators of our educational future.

Navigating the landscape: Roadblocks and resolutions The path to comprehensive parent engagement is rarely without its challenges. There are many roadblocks and issues that we are still discovering. This ongoing process of learning and adapting is a hallmark of our approach. We view challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and refinement. Crucially, we are determined to ensure that each parent advisory committee member has a space, not at “the table” but at their own tables where we sit down and listen to them. This profound shift in perspective — from inviting parents to our table to joining them at theirs — underscores our commitment to authentic partnership and shared leadership. It’s about meeting parents on their terms, in their spaces, and truly understanding their perspectives. This philosophy of deep listening and collaboration yields tangible benefits. This level of engagement and empowerment strengthens the unity and the voices of our parents. It fosters a sense of collective purpose and shared responsibility. The diversity among parents gives us an opportunity to look at commonalities across all groups and identify main areas of focus or concern. This cross-pollination of ideas allows us to identify systemic issues that might otherwise remain hidden.

For instance, one area of concern is communication. This feedback directly informs our strategies for improving information dissemination across all levels of the district. It gave us an opportunity to improve on our level of engagement and communication throughout all our groups. Another example came when another group wanted to have more information about the district’s equity audit. By proactively addressing this need and being able to explain our processes, we gain invaluable trust. This transparency and responsiveness have a significant preventative effect, giving us the opportunity to get in front of situations that may be detrimental to our progress and resolve issues before they occur. Proactive engagement transforms potential crises into opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.

Beyond these advisory committees, Stockton Unified further amplifies diverse voices through its school board level subcommittees, adding another critical layer of communication and direct engagement with district governance. We have several subcommittees such as budget oversight, board policy, the 1852 Foundation, and equity/diversity, to name a few. These subcommittees provide specialized forums where parents and community members can delve into specific areas of district operations and policy, ensuring their input directly informs decision-making at the highest levels.

A particularly vital subcommittee is the Black Student Thrive Committee, which is specifically set up to focus on the achievement of Black students within Stockton Unified School District. It is within this committee that you’ll find the most courageous conversations from passionate parents and community members who all just want to be heard and see real progress take place. SUSD’s commitment to equity and student success is profoundly demonstrated by its willingness to continue to stay at the table to have conversations centering around uplifting the African American/Black students of SUSD. This dedicated space ensures that the unique needs and aspirations of this student population are consistently prioritized and addressed through the LCAP, collaborative dialogue and action.

The transformative power of diverse voices Ultimately, having diverse voices is a beautiful thing. It enriches our understanding, challenges our assumptions, and strengthens our collective capacity to serve all students. We’re able to actually see one another and engage on the levels in which our families are. This genuine human connection is the foundation of true partnership. The parents provide us with feedback and we provide the tools they need, and throughout the parent engagement journey they become strong leaders in their own right. This organic leadership development is one of the most rewarding outcomes of our efforts.

One of our points of pride is knowing that our parents, who were once timid with their voices, are now actively going to conferences and presenting in front of hundreds of other people. This transformation from hesitant participants to confident advocates is a powerful testament to the efficacy of our parent involvement model. It underscores the profound impact that a district can have when it genuinely values and cultivates the leadership potential within its parent community.

Leadership as a catalyst: The superintendent’s unwavering commitment The success of Stockton Unified’s parent involvement initiatives is deeply rooted in the unwavering commitment of its leadership. Our superintendent along with other members of the cabinet and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Family Engagement attend our parent advisory committee meetings. This consistent presence from top leadership sends a clear message: Parent voices matter, and their engagement is a district priority. It fosters a sense of respect and partnership that permeates all levels of the organization.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rodriguez is the driving force behind this commitment. She is fully committed to creating safe and open spaces for dialogue. Her vision and dedication have shaped a culture where parent feedback is not just welcomed, but actively sought and integrated into strategic planning. This commitment to open dialogue is further supported by practical measures: Meetings are videotaped in addition to being streamed live, so people can participate virtually if they’re not able to attend in person. This accessibility ensures that geographical or logistical barriers do not prevent parents from participating and having their voices heard.

Another highlighted area that Dr. Rodriguez fully believes in is making sure that we have childcare available for our meetings. Recognizing that many parents face challenges with childcare, especially for evening meetings, this provision is a critical barrier-remover. We go beyond mere supervision; students can participate in activities or get homework help. This thoughtful approach ensures that parents can attend without worrying about their children’s well-being or academic needs.

Furthermore, understanding the demands on families, food is often served as we know that it’s around dinnertime and we want to make sure that our families have an opportunity to eat as well. These seemingly small gestures collectively demonstrate a deep understanding of the realities faced by our families and a genuine desire to make engagement as seamless and supportive as possible. As you can see, Dr. Rodriguez takes no shortcuts in providing resources and removing barriers so parents can come to our meetings. This holistic approach to engagement is a cornerstone of our success.

A future forged in partnership The impact of Stockton Unified’s commitment to parent involvement is evident in the growing confidence and leadership of our parent community. We are not just building committees; we are cultivating leaders and fostering a vibrant, interconnected community. At Stockton Unified School District, parent involvement is not an add-on; it is an integral, foundational pillar of our educational philosophy. By intentionally building structures like affinity groups and diverse parent advisory committees, providing dedicated support through Family Engagement Specialists, operationalizing accessible meetings, celebrating parent contributions, and maintaining unwavering leadership commitment, we are not just engaging parents — we are empowering them. We are building a stronger, more unified community where every voice is heard, every need is considered, and every child’s academic journey is supported by a powerful, collaborative partnership between home and school. This is the Stockton Way, and it is a blueprint for success in any diverse educational landscape.

Dwight Rogers, Ed.D., is director of Diversity, Equity, and Family Engagement at Stockton Unified School District.