District advisory councils report expanded parent outreach, ESE supports and transportation planning

Representatives from the District Advisory Council and the Exceptional Student Education advisory council reported to the Leon County School Board on May 13 on parent outreach, supports and upcoming engagement opportunities.

Sassafras Middleman, chair of the ESE advisory council, summarized two years of parent-led advocacy work that connected families to regional resources including the Family Network on Disabilities and the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Systems. Middleman said the council hosted presentations on IEP planning, 504 planning, transition to adulthood, guardianship, autism and anxiety-reduction strategies, and that parents now have direct access to administrators and support contacts.

Middleman said the council recently completed a membership vote and that two school-board-appointed seats remain vacant for the next school year. Board members asked for notification when appointments are needed to ensure representation.

District Advisory Council chair Jacqueline Colston Steele (presenting in her final report as chair) said a recent combined “Multi Advisory Council” meeting included Title I, ESE and other advisory groups and drew large attendance. Steele said the council will continue advocacy work and parent engagement, and she passed leadership to Vice Chair Damaris Barrios. Steele noted local collaboration with transportation staff and plans for town halls on route changes for the coming school year.

Board members acknowledged the councils’ work connecting parents to services, family resource centers and training, and expressed thanks for the volunteers’ sustained engagement. The board asked staff to ensure appointee vacancies are communicated to members so each council is fully staffed for the next year.