What Are the DAC Membership Categories?

• Teachers. At least two-thirds of the district professional staff members on the DAC must be classroom teachers. As long as this requirement is met, other staff members such as librarians, counselors, coaches, and instructional specialists may serve under this category. There are 22 teacher positions on the DAC.
• Principals. School principals or assistant principals may serve under this category. There are six principal positions on the DAC (three elementary school, two middle school, and one high school).
• District-Level Professional Employee Representative. There is one district-level (i.e., having responsibilities involving central administration or at least two campuses) professional employee representative on the DAC.
• Classified Employee Representative. There is one classified employee representative position on the DAC.
• Parents. Parent members on the DAC must live within the district, and must be a custodial parent or guardian of at least one student currently enrolled in a district school; parents may not also be employees of the district. There are 22 parent positions on the DAC.
• Community Representatives. There are two community representatives on the DAC. Community representatives must live within the district and be at least 18 years of age; community representatives may not also be parents or district employees.
• Business Representative. There is one business representative on the DAC. The business representative need not live or work within the district; the business representative may also be a parent.
• ACPTA Representatives. There are up to two representatives of the Austin Council of PTAs on the DAC.
• Students. There are up to two high school students on the DAC.
• At-Large Members. There are up to three at-large members on the DAC. At-large members may be supplemental to any of the above membership categories.

How Are DAC Members Selected?

• Teachers. Teachers are selected based on the district’s vertical team structure. There are 11 vertical teams, which are certain groupings of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. A pool of teacher candidates is formed through: applications submitted by individual teachers; and names of teachers forwarded by school principals (who are also asked to submit applications). The DAC Executive Committee then selects teachers.
• Parents. Parent members are also selected based on the district’s vertical team structure. A pool of parent condidates is formed through: applications submitted by individual parents; and names of parents forwarded by school principals (who are also asked to submit applications). The DAC Executive Committee then selects parents.
• Principals. The six principals serving on the DAC are selected by the appropriate Associate Superintendent.
• District-Level Professional Employee Representative. The district-level professional employee representative is selected by the Superintendent’s Cabinet.
• Classified Employee Representative. The classified employee representative is selected by the DAC Executive Committee.
• ACPTA Representatives. The ACPTA representatives are selected by the ACPTA.
• Students. A pool of student condidates is formed through: applications submitted by individual high school students; and names of parents forwarded by high school principals (who are also asked to submit applications). The DAC Executive Committee then selects students.
• All Other DAC Members. Community and business representatives and at-large members are all selected by the DAC Executive Committee.

How Do I Make My Interest in Serving on the DAC Known?

• If you are a teacher, parent, or student, let your principal know you are interested, or submit a DAC Membership Application.
• If you are interested in serving as a community or business representative or at-large member, complete and submit a DAC Membership Application.

What Is the Term of Service for DAC Members?

• DAC members serve for two-year terms.
• Terms are staggered, so roughly half of the DAC membership turns over each year.
• Consideration of new members normally begins by April of each year, with new members being seated in June.

When Does the DAC Meet?

• The DAC holds regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each of the following months: January, February, March, April, May, June, August, October, and November. Regular meetings are held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Board Auditorium of the Carruth Administration Building.
• In September, the DAC holds a special all-day retreat. Special arrangements are made for teachers and students.
• There are no DAC meetings in July and December.

What Are the Attendance Requirements for DAC Members?

• DAC members are expected to regularly attend meetings. More than three absences within a one year period may result in loss of membership.