Parents across St. Vrain Valley School District have felt lost and confused as the coronavirus pandemic has lingered, and in an effort to help them understand decisions and gain their feedback, the district is organizing a parent advisory committee.
“Parent and community engagement continues to be a high priority in St. Vrain Valley Schools. Since the beginning of the pandemic, community feedback has played a significant role in the district's planning as we navigate this complex and evolving global challenge,” Kerri McDermid SVVSD chief communications and global impact officer, said via email.
Navigating that change has not been easy over the past eight months. The district has received thousands of emails and phone calls while also engaging the community through feedback sessions, town halls and other community touchpoints, McDermid said in the email.
Superintendent Don Haddad, during Wednesday’s school board meeting, said, “I want the community to know that I read your emails. I listen to your voicemails and I call you back when I can and email you back when I can. I just also want you to know that there is no consensus within our community. There are so many people who will share exactly what you heard tonight … and there are people who will share the exact opposite. So please know that we are hearing you.”
SVVSD has invited each school to nominate two parents to join the Parent Coronavirus Update and Advisory Committee. While some schools are still identifying their representatives, 80 parents are registered, McDermid said.
Parents will meet virtually each month beginning in December to discuss “many aspects of district operations and the impact of the global pandemic,” McDermid said. “Topics will include the state of the coronavirus pandemic, and its impact on areas of district operations including learning services, human resources, transportation, athletics and activities, and more.”
