It is the policy of the Seattle School Board to encourage and support meaningful family engagement in education at home, in our schools and communities, and in school governance.  The Board recognizes the diversity of family structures, circumstances, and cultural backgrounds and respects families as important decision makers for their children’s education. The Board is committed to the creation and implementation of culturally inclusive and effective school-family partnerships throughout the school district and in each school, and believes these partnerships to be critical to the academic success of every student. The district’s family engagement efforts will be comprehensive, based on national best practice and coordinated.  

The Board recognizes that family engagement in education has a positive effect on student achievement and is an important strategy in reducing the education opportunity gaps. The intent of this policy is to create and maintain a district-wide climate conducive to the meaningful engagement of families and to develop and sustain partnerships that support student learning and positive child and youth development in all schools. In order to create and maintain this climate, schools will provide a welcoming atmosphere to family members of their students. 

The district will provide support and guidance to families, teachers and staff as they plan and implement effective family engagement efforts.  

The Board of Directors supports the development and systemic implementation of family engagement efforts that include parents and family members at all grade levels in a variety of roles that support student achievement. 

The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures for this policy, as necessary.