PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CHEROKEE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
AND
CHEROKEE COUNTY COUNCIL of PTA
This agreement entered into on this 18th day of August, 2022 by and between The Cherokee County Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as the “School Board” and Cherokee County Council of PTA, hereinafter referred to as “Council PTA.”
WHEREAS, the School Board’s mission is to educate the emerging generation through learning environments designed to increase the performance of all students; and,
WHEREAS, one of the School Board’s Major System Priorities is to increase parental and community involvement through public engagement policies and practices that treat parents, businesses, community-based organizations and agencies, local institutions of higher learning and other public entities as true partners in the educational process; and,
WHEREAS, one of the School District’s Priority Areas is Family, Partner and Community Engagement, and
WHEREAS, the Council PTA’s theme is “Every Child, One Voice;” and,
WHEREAS, Council PTA intends to work closely with the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools in order to establish priorities and promote issues that benefit our school community; and to continue the communication and support between the Council, Board of Education, Local Units and our Community while promoting the Six Standards of PTA: Welcoming All Families, Communicating Effectively, Supporting Student Success, Speaking Up for Every Child, Sharing Power, and Collaborating with the Community.
Now therefore in consideration of the covenants and conditions set forth herein the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
The parties agree that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference:
ARTICLE II
The School Board will:
1. Provide the opportunity for Council leadership to provide information and refreshments at the CCSD Leadership Symposium.
2. Distribute information to school principals regarding Council’s collection drives for their community outreach programs.
3. Support the concept of PTA programs at every school site.
4. Provide professional development opportunities for PTA Council leadership.
5. Link PTA Council’s website to the Cherokee County School System homepage, provided appropriate firewalls and software are in place.
6. Endorse PTA sponsored activities and events and provide the use of system facilities for these events, including the Annual District PTA Conference.
7. Conduct biannual meetings between PTA Council leadership and the Superintendent of Schools and/or his designee(s).
8. Provide a mailbox, paper, copying and faxing arrangements for information distribution to schools and athletes.
9. Provide a page for correspondence to parents in the Annual Student/Parent Handbook.
10. Print the Council PTA Handbook and newsletter (PTA providing paper) at the School System Print Shop.
11. Work cooperatively with Council leadership and their Grant Review Team to pursue grant opportunities.
12. Allow for the opportunity for Innovation Zone Lead Principals to meet with Council of PTA leadership representatives to provide information relative to communication and implementation of zone initiatives/strategies to local PTA units and the community.
13. Appoint PTA representatives to an ad hoc committee to serve as a full partner in the development of a local Wellness Policy as required by the Child Nutrition and Reauthorization Act.
ARTICLE III
PTA Council will:
1. Sponsor the breakfast segment of the CCSD Leadership Symposium.
2. Conduct an interview with the principal of each aforementioned facility prior to and after use of the facility.
3. Abide by the rules and regulations contained in the Community Use of System Facilities Policy (KG), including custodial and supervisory fees when applicable.
4. Continue to maintain a website linked to the Cherokee County School System homepage.
5. Cooperatively develop a Legislative Program, offer parent training classes and apply for grants with the Cherokee County School System.
6. Provide a bi-monthly report at the Cherokee County Board of Education meeting.
7. Provide scholarship opportunities for Cherokee County students.
8. Provide a leadership representative for each School District Innovation Zone in order to assist with communication and implementation of Zone initiatives/strategies to local PTA units and the community.
9. Support supplemental educational programs which meet certain established criteria and support the joint goals of the Cherokee County Board of Education and the Cherokee County Council of PTA as outlined herein and is approved by the Office of Educational Programs, Student Support and Professional Development.
10. Work with School District staff as it strives to establish standard policies and practices in the ESOL program, especially at the middle and high school levels, by providing support for learning tools. In conjunction with community-based organizations and School District representatives, explore development of a “Welcome Packet” of applicable information to all incoming ESOL students. Also, PTA will work to establish ongoing communication with the School District parent facilitators in Title I schools.
11. In conjunction with the Office of Educational Programs, Student Support and Professional Development, establish models for academically rigorous experiences for students during the summer (suggested software, books and DVDs).
12. Continue to refine and utilize programs that would increase the scope and number of volunteers at each school through the implementation of the Family Engagement standards of our National PTA.
13. In conjunction with School District staff, communicate with parents relative to strategies, activities and programs for improving attendance and decreasing truancy. PTA will consider appointing a representative to serve as an active participant on the Cherokee County Truancy Panel.
14. Serve as a full partner in the development of a local Wellness Policy as required by the Child Nutrition and Reauthorization Act.
15. Accept all children/interested participants for participation within its programs without regard to their gender, race, political affiliation, age, national origin or handicapping condition or any other discrimination recognized and prohibited by State or Federal Law. Children/participants with handicaps must be provided all necessary levels of supervision and must be included within the activities of the partnering organization. As a result of this partnership agreement, PTA must adhere to all local, State or Federal laws regarding education.
16. Continue to support Safety Town, an annual program during which comprehensive safety messages are taught by safety professionals to kindergarten age children.
17. The PTA Council Executive Board will consider approval of a resolution in support of future Education SPLOST renewal referenda and associated bonds. The PTA Council will provide information to all PTA units and members about the importance to the community at-large of the successful passage of the Education SPLOST referenda renewal, including the Executive Board’s resolution of support.
ARTICLE IV
The term of this contract is August 18, 2022 through August 18, 2023 This contract shall automatically renew for additional terms not to exceed five years unless either party notifies the other at least 60 days prior to renewal date.