Cooperation and communication among staff members, students, and community is a goal of the Ankeny Community Schools. The School Improvement Advisory Council (SIAC) is a liaison group which provides parents, community members, staff members, and students the ability to provide input into decision-making of the District. The word “advisory” is definitive; that is, to test ideas without final decision-making authority.

Philosophy:
It is the intent of the Ankeny Schools to provide an educational program designed to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of all students.

We recognize parental input in the decision-making process is paramount if the administration and staff of the District are to enlist the support of the citizenry in working toward common goals. The responsibility of long-range planning for a better school system is a shared responsibility among administration, staff, and the public.

Responsibilities of the Council:
The charge of this council is in direct alignment with Chapter 12 of the Code of Iowa. The intent of the SIAC will be:

To involve the local community in decision-making processes as appropriate. The District will seek input from the local community about, but not limited to the following elements at least once every five years:

• Mission, vision, and strategic planning
• Accreditation requirements
• Major educational needs
• Student learning goals

To appoint and charge SIAC to make recommendations to the Board about the following components:

• Major educational needs
•  Student learning goals
• Long-range goals that include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Academic
  • Behavior
  • 21st Century Skills
• Harassment or bullying prevention

To make recommendations to the Board at least annually, with regard to but not limited to the following:

• Progress achieved with the annual improvement goals for the state indicators that address reading, mathematics, science and social studies;
• Progress achieved with other locally determined core indicators;
• Annual improvement goals for the state indicators that address reading, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Decision-making:
The purpose of SIAC is to provide an advisory council for the District to discuss ideas, programming, and procedures. Final decision-making and/or recommendations will be made by the administration.

Meetings:
Meetings will occur, at minimum, on a quarterly basis with a sub-committee formed, as needed, for special topics, studies, and/or projects. An agenda will be posted prior to the meeting and summary notes related to topics and concerns will be prepared, provided, and posted for public viewing.

Membership Selection:
Parents of each attendance center will be given an opportunity to serve on SIAC. Information regarding SIAC will be communicated to parents and community during the summer months preceding the first SIAC meeting in September. Representation should include geographical area, grade level, males as well as females, and other factors appropriate reflection of the District Community members at-large will also serve on the council. At minimum, one Ankeny Community School Board member will be appointed to serve on the council, not to exceed two Board members.

Size:
The membership of the SIAC will include members of the Department of Academic Services, as well as the following representatives from each attendance center:

• Lead principal
• Two to four parents
• At least one teacher
• At least one student (8-9 and 10-12 buildings)

Term of Office:
The term of office for all SIAC members will be, at minimum one year.

Evaluation:
For the purpose of continuous improvement, the SIAC will reflect, review and assess its work at the end of each school year. Recommendations for SIAC’s charge the following school year will be discussed and determined. Additionally, feedback will be generated from the SIAC members at the end of each SIAC meeting in regard to the content of the meeting, the process of the meeting, and ideas for improvement.

Approved: August 16, 1982

Reviewed:
October 6, 2003
October 19, 2015
March 23, 2020

Revised:
January 18, 2010
October 19, 2015
March 23, 2020