What is a PAC?

A Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is the official voice of parents at the school level. PACs are a key partner in public education in British Columbia and give parents the opportunity to support student success, strengthen school communities, and advise the principal and school staff.

Under the BC School Act, every public school in BC is allowed one PAC. A PAC exists because of the school but are autonomous from the school. Every parent or guardian of a student enrolled at the school is automatically a voting member. Members elect an executive to lead the business of the PAC.

Purpose of a PAC is to:

  • Promote meaningful parent involvement

  • Advise the principal and staff on parents’ views

  • Support school planning and improvement

  • Raise funds for extracurricular activities, resources, and events

  • Build a strong school community

PAC IS:

  • self-governed with their own Constitution and Bylaws.

  • independent from the school.

  • a partner group with the school.

  • advocates for parents and student success.

  • cultivates community among parents within their school

  • one of the best ways to know what’s going on in your student’s school.

  • solely volunteer based. Many hands make light work!

PAC IS NOT:

  • a non-profit society. They are NOT governed by the Society Act unless they have taken steps to register as a society (which we do not recommend).

  • just a fundraiser for the school.

  • a complaint department.

  • a social club or clique.

  • school staff or administration and does not have authority over staff, curriculum, or school policies.