#USA #Santa Barbara #K-12 Education #ParentSquare #Advisory Council

ParentSquare's New Venture into Enhanced Family Engagement

In response to significant challenges in K-12 education, ParentSquare, a leader in family engagement technology, has launched its Enterprise Advisory Council. This strategic initiative aims to boost family communication and address pressing issues such as chronic absenteeism and declining school enrollment. With public school attendance facing a downturn of 1.3 million students since 2019, there is an urgent need for improved collaboration between educational institutions and families.

Understanding the New Advisory Councils

The newly formed Enterprise Advisory Council will consist of top administrators and tech leaders from some of the largest school districts in the U.S. Their mission is to enhance the functionality and reach of the ParentSquare platform. This platform is designed specifically for improving communication between schools and families, which is crucial as districts cope with rapid changes in student populations and engagement levels. Each council member will serve a two-year term and will contribute strategic insights that will be crucial in refining ParentSquare's tools and services.

The councils will meet quarterly online, with an annual in-person gathering to foster deeper collaboration and discussion around the latest challenges in family engagement strategies. Importantly, this initiative also focuses on the communication dynamics of larger, complex school systems, ensuring that the needs of diverse student populations are met effectively.

Launching a Collaborative Effort

Anupama Vaid, Founder and President of ParentSquare, expressed her gratitude to the education leaders who have agreed to join these councils, thanking them for their willingness to share their experiences and insights. Their perspective will be instrumental in shaping how the platform evolves to meet both current and future needs of K-12 districts as they navigate challenges like chronic absenteeism and declining enrollment.

The first batch of members for the 2026-27 Enterprise ParentSquare Advisory Council includes:

• - Katherine Crnkovich, Chief Communications Officer, Seminole County Public Schools, Florida.
• - Adela Garcia Duncan, Chief Information Officer, Fresno Unified School District, California.
• - Dr. Debbie Durrence, Executive Director of Data Governance, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia.

These members will work collectively to strategize new initiatives and solutions that cater to the unique needs of their districts.

Addressing Diversity in Education

As highlighted by Dr. Debbie Durrence, effective communication is essential, particularly in large districts that serve diverse communities. She noted the importance of having robust systems that facilitate interaction between schools and families. Effective communication not only strengthens relationships but is also a key determinant of student success.

Adding Strength to the 2026-27 ParentSquare Advisory Council

In addition to the Enterprise Council, ParentSquare has also welcomed new members to its regular Advisory Council for 2026-27, including:

• - Damien Akelman, Executive Director of Technology, Rowan-Salisbury Schools, North Carolina.
• - LaToya Blackshear, Director of Planning and Evaluation, Jackson Public Schools, Mississippi.
• - Ja'Leasa Bolden, Director of Communications, Moss Point School District, Mississippi.

Ja'Leasa Bolden remarked on the various engagement strategies different districts adopt. She emphasized that districts need to listen attentively to families to achieve tangible results in student performance and community satisfaction.

About ParentSquare

Founded in 2011, ParentSquare has become the leading family engagement infrastructure for K-12 education, providing communication tools to over 22 million students across the United States. Its comprehensive platform consolidates various communication needs into a single service, making it easier for districts to connect with families through personalized messaging, online forms, and payment systems. The platform’s innovation has been recognized by multiple organizations, showcasing its growing influence in the education technology landscape.

By creating these advisory councils, ParentSquare is not just reacting to current education challenges but actively foresight planning to ensure that districts can effectively engage with families, regardless of language or technology access. As family engagement remains pivotal in the educational success of students, this move is certain to have a lasting impact on communities nationwide.