At the Nov. 11 board meeting, the district received updates on parent engagement and volunteer initiatives focused on special education supports and family involvement.

PAC update: Cameron Dillard, executive director of student services, reported on Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings held Sept. 12 (in person at RESA) and Oct. 10 (virtual). He summarized PAC discussion of the Michigan Department of Education’s Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) guidance, noting it focuses on "making sure they're educated with their non disabled peers to the largest extent possible" and described countywide resources, orientation for PAC members, and partnerships to address the critical shortage of special-education staff. Dillard said PAC leaders and non‑PAC parents attended and that the committee discussed guardian access, voting rights for students who turn 18 while still served by the district, and upcoming events for families.

Concerns about voter registration: Several board members raised concerns about reports from other districts in which outside groups registered students who may lack legal capacity; Chair characterized that behavior as "predatory," and the board discussed county/district responsibilities to protect students and guardians. The PAC will continue to explore safeguards and resources for families and guardians of students with disabilities.

Watchdog Dads rollout: Principals Jill Burch and Melissa Lisonbee presented plans to relaunch Watchdog Dads at Beach and Hilbert elementaries. The program asks fathers or father-figures to volunteer at least one day per school year, participate in a short "7 steps to success" virtual training and Watchdog University modules, and submit iChat background clearance forms. The rollout includes two parent meetings (one at Hilbert and one at Beach) plus a virtual option; organizers reported about 24 father-figures signed up with roughly eight RSVPs for the first two sessions and outlined next steps including team selection, ordering starter kits, and a launch pizza night.

Why it matters: PAC work shapes district special education practice and district‑level protections for students and guardians; the Watchdog Dads program is intended to boost family engagement, provide positive male role models, and add supervised volunteer presence in schools.

What’s next: PAC representatives will continue to coordinate with guardians and county resources on voting and access questions. Watchdog organizers will finalize training, background checks, and launch events and will report back on participation rates.