LEAD Parent Advocacy Council Creates New Opportunities for Family Involvement
LEAD Public Schools is creating a new way for parents and guardians to share their experiences, connect with families across the network, and advocate for the needs of their school communities. The LEAD Parent Advocacy Council (LPAC) brings together family representatives from across LEAD’s schools to provide feedback, discuss topics affecting students and families, and help strengthen family involvement throughout the network. The council was created as part of LEAD’s ongoing work to rethink what meaningful family engagement looks like.
Why LPAC Started
LPAC was created as part of LEAD’s effort to build a stronger and more consistent approach to family engagement. During the 2024–2025 school year, LEAD began rethinking how families could be more involved across the network. That work included launching monthly Family Connect Meetings and a Family Connection Newsletter to discuss targeted topics that are directly impacting families and operationalize and improve our family communications.
From there, that sparked an idea to develop a network-wide parent advocacy group that would give families a more direct way to share their perspectives and help shape the student and family experience. Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, LEAD identified and connected with parents who could help launch LPAC. The council began meeting in March 2026 with six parents from four different LEAD campuses.
“LPAC is about storytelling with a purpose,” said Corey Burton, LEAD’s vice president of enrollment and family engagement. “We want families to be able to share their experiences and use their voices to create positive change in our schools.”
What LPAC Hopes to Accomplish
The main purpose of the LEAD Parent Advocacy Council is simple: to give families a space to discuss the issues that matter most to them. Council members provide feedback on school policies, programs, and new initiatives. They also help identify common needs across LEAD schools and share ideas for improving the family experience.
Another goal of LPAC is to connect families across the network. Parents from different schools can learn from one another, share what is working in their communities, and find opportunities to support important community causes together. Members will also receive advocacy training to help them feel prepared to speak up for their children, their schools, and their communities.
“We want parents to know that their perspective matters,” Burton said. “Their experiences can help us make better decisions and continue building schools that reflect the needs of the families we serve.”
How Families Can Be Involved
LPAC currently meets virtually twice each month, with additional in-person opportunities planned throughout the year. Families who join the council will have the chance to build relationships with other parents, connect with LEAD leadership, and take a more active role in important conversations.
This work matters because families should have a voice in the schools their children attend. LPAC creates another opportunity for parents to be heard and for LEAD to learn directly from the people it serves.
For families considering LEAD, LPAC also reflects the network’s commitment to partnership. Choosing a school is about more than academics. Families want to know that they will be informed, respected, and included. Through LPAC, LEAD is continuing to create a school community where parents are not only welcomed, but invited to help shape what comes next.
Parents and guardians interested in joining LPAC or learning more can complete the LPAC interest form, or contact Corey Burton on behalf of LEAD Public Schools’ Executive Leadership Team.
