State grant supports stipends for parents

A $1.7 million state “Parent Scholars Grant” will allow the School District to expand its program of Parent Assistance Desks (PADs) at schools as well as involve more parents in monitoring safety in school corridors and around schools.

The majority of the funding will be used to provide stipends of $250-$350 to parent volunteers who staff the PADs or patrol at schools for 70 hours over a 10-week period, up to $600 maximum per year, according to District CEO Paul Vallas.

Launched in 2003, PADs were created to provide educational support and information from a parent's perspective to meet the needs of other parents or guardians. Ultimately 180 schools will be served by the grant.

State Representative Dwight Evans, who presented the District with a check for the program November 7, commented, “With this initiative, we will be able to provide a comprehensive, citywide network of parents working hand-in-hand with educators to help students succeed.”

“This grant will hopefully help remove some of the barriers to parental involvement,” said Mary Yee, director of the District's Office of Family Engagement and Language Equity Services, which will oversee the program.

District officials say the first phase of the program will focus on 60 schools with existing PAD programs, where needs assessment and parent and community feedback will lay the groundwork for an overall program strategy. Program rules and a training program are to be developed. The District will contract with community-based organizations to assist in recruiting and training parents.

The School District's Office of Family Engagement and Language Equity Services can be reached at 215-400-4180.