District 196 Seeks Citizen Members with Legislative Experience for New Council

Independent School District 196 is looking for five district residents with experience in government affairs lobbying and/or the legislative process who are interested in serving on the district’s new Legislative Advisory Council (LAC), which will meet for the first time in December. The deadline to apply is Oct. 12.

Members of the School Board’s Legislative Committee gave approval to move forward with establishment of a district LAC during the 2011 legislative session. The purpose of the LAC is to increase citizen participation in the legislative process and community understanding of legislative issues and how they impact District 196.

The council’s role will be to provide input on the district’s legislative priorities, review legislative suggestions  submitted by citizens and staff and, as appropriate, provide input to the School Board regarding proposed legislation. In addition to the five at-large citizen members with legislative experience, LAC membership will include a single representative from each of eight existing district advisory councils and committees. The district communications director and members of the board Legislative Committee will serve as ex-officio members of the LAC. The LAC is a nonpartisan council and members will be expected to maintain neutrality regarding party politics.

Member terms will begin Sept. 1 and end Aug. 30. This first year, terms will begin Dec. 1. The five at-large citizen members will serve two-year terms. The terms for members appointed to the LAC will coincide with the terms of office on their sponsoring council or committee.

Applications for the five at-large citizen positions will be accepted through Oct. 12. Interested residents can complete and print a fillable application at www.District196.org or call 651-423-7775 to request an application. Completed applications should be submitted to the Communications Department, Independent School District 196, 3455 153 rd St. W., Rosemount, MN 55068. The board Legislative Committee will review all applications and recommend five to the board for approval.

The LAC will hold its first meeting in December and will meet at least four times each year, as determined by the council. Members will communicate electronically between meetings to stay informed during legislative sessions. LAC meetings will be held at the District Office in Rosemount and will be open to the public.

The following district advisory councils and committees will each have a representative on the LAC: the Budget Advisory Council, Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Council, Community Education Advisory Council, Early Childhood Family Services Advisory Council, Integration and Educational Equity Advisory Council, Native American Parent Advisory Committee, the River Valley Project Explore Advisory Council and Special Education Advisory Council. These representatives will be responsible for reporting legislative information back to the membership of their district advisory council or committee to broaden understanding of legislation and how it may impact the district.