African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) Back to School Night informs families about student supports and resources

At the African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) Family Back to School Night on Sept. 10, MDUSD Superintendent Dr.Adam Clark and Family Engagement Coordinator Dr. Lamont Francies welcomed families and discussed school level AAPAC groups where families of African American students can learn about resources available and share their experiences with each other.

Dr. Clark said he and District staff have worked intentionally since he took over leadership of MDUSD six years ago to create an African American parent network, which is now connected through African American Parent Advisory Councils at 26 schools. Representatives from these groups meet monthly at the District-level AAPAC meetings in Bay Point. "Every year, it's been growing," he said, adding that he was thrilled to see families with children and Dads as well as Moms at the Thursday meeting. "We need to get more Dads in our schools." He said the District focuses on providing strong academics, along with social-emotional support in a safe, welcoming environment. 

Dr. Francies explained the District's Focal Scholar Program, which assists students who need extra supports at 12 schools. About 60% of Focal Scholars are African American, he said. District partners working with Focal Scholars include Delta Bay Impact, which meets with students at Riverview MS and Wren Avenue Elementary. Executive Director Tiffany Francies said she and her staff teach students how to advocate for themselves, as well as about Black culture and heritage. Students also attend events such as an annual HBCU college fair, where they can receive scholarships, Dr. Francies said, adding that their work is focused on improving educational outcomes such as grades and attendance, reducing suspensions, and helping students prepare for college. The AAPAC also offers events such as a Kwanzaa celebration and Martin Luther King Jr. night, as well as Black Excellence awards for students. "It's a great community," Dr. Francies said.  

Dr. Francies said he expects to present updates about the AAPAC to the School Board. He also highlighted the District's Black Educators Association, which provides a support network for African American staff members as well as recognition awards for staff and involved parents. He noted there are about 1,000 students identified as African American in the District, or about 3.4%, but there are likely more who are identified as "two or more races." The 10 District schools with the highest numbers and percentages of African American students range from #10 Valley View MS in Pleasant Hill with 26 African American students or 3.2% of students, to #2 Delta View Elementary in Pittsburg with 85 African American students or 13.2% of students, and #1 Mt. Diablo High School in Concord with 117 African American students or 8.4% of students.

After his presentation, Dr. Francies invited families to introduce themselves and the schools their students attend. Several parents said they were excited to be at the meeting, especially some whose children attend schools with few African American students. "This is so needed," said one parent. A family that moved to the District from North Carolina said they wanted to meet other families to be able to connect outside their neighborhood schools. Another family that moved to the District from Arkansas said they were also happy to be at the meeting and were looking forward to making new friends. Referencing an African proverb that emphasizes the importance of shared community, Dr. Francies invited everyone to mingle to strengthen their bonds. "We want you to stick around," he said. "You are not here by accident. You are here to meet somebody."