Engagement-686

The Bellevue School District needed an updated community engagement process that built trust and confidence in parents. A controversy surrounding equity in school fundraising demanded a process in which all interested parents could participate, and believe in. The process for the Joint BSD-PTSA School-Based Donations Advisory Committee centered on a solid application process, a scoring rubric that left subjective opinions at the door, and frequent and timely updates shared through concerned stakeholders and always available on the web site. The process refined and improved to include web site protocols for information and updates, timelines to ensure proper notice, checks to consider multiple languages and communication channels, and surveys of stakeholders to gauge effectiveness. The resulting process, adapted for broad public outreach for issues such as strategic planning, boundary review and superintendent search, became a model for other school districts, and a template for solid ways to involve the public in decisions.

In a 2013 Parent Satisfaction Survey, nearly 80% of parents responded they were ‘Highly Satisfied’ or Satisfied’ with opportunities for parent engagement.

Bellevue School District

“Jacque has been working to take the district’s community engagement work to the next level and her relationships with district staff and community leaders have proven to be beneficial. She has extended the districts’ influence with strengthened relationships with the Mayors’ office, police, fire, business and community leaders. Because of her strategic vision, the districts’ work in this area is expected to have impacts many hope will ultimately benefit student achievement.”

“Last year Jacque connected me to an organization called Eastside Pathways, which is a cradle to career initiative focused on education in Bellevue. There I helped with community engagement, and Jacque was instrumental in helping me to do my work. She was generous in sharing her knowledge and experience, and with her guidance, I was able to help the organization come up with a strategic plan for community outreach and engagement.”

“Jacque is a master at building and maintaining relationships. She worked closely with several diverse groups of parents in the district, meeting with them regularly to listen and then share their input with other district leaders. She also built strong relationships with city and regional leaders.”

Case Studies