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ELPAC BY-LAWS

Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District
English Learner Parent Advisory Council

 

BY-LAWS
2022/2023

 

Article 1.  Name

DYRSD ELPAC

Article 2. Authority 

The DYRSD ELPAC is formed following the provisions of Mass General Laws Chapter 71A English Learner Education and 603 CMR 14.09; English Learner Parent Advisory Councils

Article 3. Purpose and Duties of the DYRSD ELPAC

1. The purpose of the DYRSD ELPAC is to support the academic success of all English Learners and former English Learners within the DYRSD community and provide parents and guardians of English Learners and former English Learner with the opportunity to express their opinions. 

2. The duties of the DYRSD ELPAC are to:

  1. Provide advice to the district  or school regarding its English Learner Education programs
  2. Meet regularly with school officials to participate in the planning and development of programs designed to improve educational opportunities for ELs
  3. Participate in the review of school improvement plans and district improvement plans as the plans relate to EL’s. 
  4. Review proposals by the school district ot offer a new instructional program  for EL’s
  5. Review requests to the school district from 20 or more parents to open a new language instructional program;
  6. Promote a network of parents and guardians of ELs and provide a forum to share information and discuss matters of concern;
  7. Promote communication between ELPAC members, other parent councils in the district, district community groups, and the public as the ELPAC may wish;
  8. Request information from the school district in order to fulfill its duties

The DYRSD should assist the ELPAC in scheduling meetings, finding meeting space, publicizing meetings to families, and providing language assistance.

Article 4. Membership 
  • As required in 603 CMR 14.09(4),ELPAC voting membership is open to:
  • Any parent or guardian of a student currently identified as an English Learner; or
  • Any parent or guardian of a student who has been identified as an English Learner in the past. 
  • Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District
  • English Learner Parent Advisory Council

BY-LAWS

2. Duties of Members
  • Fulfill the duties of the ELPAC outlined in Section 3
  • Attend the ELPAC meetings 

3. Voting members can vote in the annual election of officers or any other business that comes before any ELPAC meeting. 

Article 5. OFFICERS
Election of Officers
  • ELPAC members may be nominated or self-nominated to become an officer
  • ELPAC officers are elected annually
  • Elections are decided by a simple majority of the voting membership. At least 6 members must be present to hold a vote.
2. Office and officer responsibilities of the DYRSD ELPAC:
Chairperson:
  • Set the agenda for each meeting, in consultation with other ELPAC members
  • Lead the meetings of the ELPAC
  • Act as a liaison with the staff person assigned to assist the ELPAC
  • Perform other duties identified by the ELPAC
Co-Chairperson:
  • Lead the meetings of the ELPAC if the Chairperson is absent
  • Assist the Chairperson at his/her request
  • Perform other duties identified by the ELPAC
Secretary:
  • Take minutes at ELPAC meetings and keep a binder of the minutes
  • Maintain and update the ELPAC membership list
  • Perform other duties identified by the ELPAC.
Article 6. Meetings
The DYRSD ELPAC meets at least ____ times per school year at a location in the school district. 
 
Notice of the ELPAC meetings are distributed to parents and guardians of English Learners and former English Learners in the following ways:

Flyers, marquee, Principals Remind app

3. Non-voting members may attend ELPAC meeting as guests

Dennis Yarmouth Regional School District

English Learner Parent Advisory Council

Article 7. AMENDING THE BY-LAWS AND MAKING OTHER DECISIONS

These by-laws may be amended, and other decisions made, by a simple majority of the voting members at a general meeting.