A Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is the official voice of parents within a BC public school community. Recognized under Section 8 of the School Act, PACs are composed and led by parents or guardians of students in the school. Every parent is automatically a PAC member when their child is registered. PACs work alongside school administration to support student learning and enhance the school experience through collaboration, advocacy, and parent engagement.
Purpose of a PAC
PACs advise school staff on the views and concerns of parents related to school programs, policies, and activities. They organize events, promote parent education, and encourage volunteer participation. PACs also help connect families with support systems, sometimes through DPAC. Many PACs raise funds to support school goals and projects, always ensuring their work reflects the interests of the broader parent community.
What Are DPAC and BCCPAC?
In addition to PACs at the school level, parent voice extends to the district and provincial levels. The District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) supports local PACs and represents parents in discussions with the school district. The BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC) serves as the provincial voice of parents, advocating on broader education issues and offering resources and training for PACs and DPACs. Together, these three levels ensure parents are heard from the classroom to the Ministry of Education.
Constitution & Bylaws
Every PAC and DPAC must operate under a Constitution and Bylaws.
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The Constitution outlines why the PAC exists - the PAC’s purpose, goals, and mandate.
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The Bylaws provide the detailed rules for how the PAC functions, including how meetings are run, how executives are elected, and how decisions are made.
These documents are essential for accountability, transparency, and continuity. They should be developed and reviewed in consultation with the school’s principal and belong to the entire parent community, not just the executive.
Updating Your Bylaws
Updating Bylaws is a collaborative process that should involve all members. Major updates can take several months and are best handled by a committee. Even old Bylaws remain valid until formally changed. DPAC is happy to guide PACs through this process and share resources.
It is recommended that the Constitution and Bylaws be reviewed regularly (ideally every year) and updated as needed. Updated versions should be made easily accessible to all members, such as by posting them as a downloadable PDF on the school website.
Meetings & Robert’s Rules
PAC meetings should be focused, respectful, and inclusive. Many PACs use Robert’s Rules of Order to guide discussion and decision-making, although other fair processes can also work. A clear agenda, effective chairing, and inclusive participation are key to productive meetings. The goal is not formality, it’s making sure every voice is heard and every decision is thoughtful.
A motion is a formal proposal for action by a board of directors, central to how the board makes decisions and provides direction.
Four main steps:
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Making the motion – A board member says, “I move…” and states the motion clearly and specifically.
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Seconding the motion – Another member says, “I second the motion,” indicating it’s worth discussing, not necessarily agreeing with it. Without a second, the motion dies.
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Discussing the motion – The board debates the motion through the chair, who ensures fairness, balance, and efficiency.
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Voting on the motion – Usually by show of hands; secret ballots are rare but used for sensitive matters. The chair announces the result.
Properly handling motions ensures efficient, fair, and productive board meetings. It is not appropriate for the Chair to move a motion themselves, only to ask for one.
Executive Roles
PACs elect an executive team to manage council operations. Common roles include:
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President or Chair – Leads meetings, represents the PAC, liaises with the school
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Vice President or Vice Chair – Supports the President and steps in when needed
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Secretary – Keeps records, manages minutes, and handles communications
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Treasurer – Oversees finances, prepares budgets, and provides reports
These roles help ensure the PAC runs smoothly and meets its goals effectively.
Volunteer and Committee Roles
In addition to the executive, PACs may appoint volunteer coordinators to lead specific initiatives. Examples include a DPAC Representative, Hot Lunch Coordinator, Fundraising Coordinator, or Book Fair Coordinator. Other roles can be added depending on the needs and traditions of the school. These positions help distribute the work and give more parents an opportunity to get involved.