The Austin School District invites community members to get up close with how ºÚÁϹÙÍø is managed and operated through ºÚÁϹÙÍø UpClose. There are seats available in the class that will get underway in September 2011 through May 2012. The deadline to apply is May 13.
ºÚÁϹÙÍø UpClose develops parents and community leaders who are informed about the District's infrastructure, programs, and services, and who understand the District's challenges and opportunities.
Each month, ºÚÁϹÙÍø UpClose classes meet at various District sites to have an "inside look" at key programs, services, and areas. ºÚÁϹÙÍø UpClose graduates are challenged to become leaders and advocates for the District, to volunteer for service on committees and task forces, to speak up when misinformation is circulating, and to encourage other parents and community members to get informed and involved.
Modeled on municipal leadership training programs, ºÚÁϹÙÍø UpClose has "graduated" 175 community members since its inaugural year in 2007-2008.
"The Austin School District is an extremely complex organization which meets the educational needs of more than 84,000 students," Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said. "We want to share information about how we are meeting the challenges of urban education, as well as managing the resources entrusted to us by Austin taxpayers. We encourage anyone who would like to learn more about their schools to apply to join ºÚÁϹÙÍø UpClose."
Application forms are available on the ºÚÁϹÙÍø website, ; or interested persons can contact Pat Dabbert at 414-3991, or e-mail pdabbert@austinisd.org.