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St. Paul
MN
55104

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PAC (Parent Advisory Council)

What is Central’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC)?

PAC is a group of HUEmyns* - parents, guardians, community members, and others - with a connection to Central High School who meet once a month (7:00-8:30 PM) to strengthen our high school community. All are welcome at these meetings - the schedule is below. 

  • PAC’s mission: “Central PAC uses a racial equity lens to invest in the vision, voice and talents of students— as they work to create a more prosperous and equitable Central High School community. We activate creative partnerships that empower youth, educators, parents and community members to contribute to a Central where everyone thrives.” 

  • We do this by raising and distributing funds, supporting special projects and initiatives, fostering communication between families and the school, organizing parent volunteers, and finding ways to show our appreciation for Central teachers and staff members. 

  • Central High School PAC is a registered non-profit group, or 501(c)(3) Organization.

  • More info: PAC Bylaws

How does PAC raise money?

Once a year, we ask all Central families to contribute financially to the Central Annual Fund. If you are financially able, we are asking for a donation of $100 per student for the 2023-2024 school year. However, we don’t want your donation to be a hardship! Please give what you can. If it’s within your budget, we also encourage you to consider increasing your donation to help support our work. 

  • Donate Now!

  • If your bank uses popmoney, you can also email money directly to PAC at centralpacdonations@gmail.com.

Thanks again to all past and future donors! Your money is well spent.

How are PAC funds distributed? 

Funds have paid for meals and treats for Central High School staff during conferences, special events, emergency relief supplies, and grade level events (e.g., orientation events, field trip expenses, etc.). Additionally, Central High School faculty, staff, and affiliated student groups make requests of PAC to support their efforts. Funding Reimbursement Request Forms are linked below. Specifics about PACs support of teachers and student groups:

  • Each individual or group can request up to $250 for education-related or group mission-related expenses to be automatically reimbursed when they submit a description and receipt for the expense. 

  • Examples: The Parent Advisory Council has funded teacher requests (which supports many essential classroom materials such as: foreign language material subscriptions, art supplies, document cameras, and science equipment). 

Larger educational expense requests can be brought to the PAC executive Board through the request form below and those will be brought to the PAC Executive Board meetings for discussion and approval.

Come to a PAC Meeting! Why? Lots of reasons:

  • Get updates from the Central High School administration, staff, and teachers 
  • Ask questions and find out about resources for families and students
  • Find out ways to support Central’s community through volunteer opportunities and community events
  • Share ideas & provide input on how Central High School PAC money is spent
  • Meet other parents and members of the Central High School community

PAC Meeting Dates (2024-2025)

Note that Central High School PAC meetings will be conducted via Zoom (video conference calls). The first “meeting” of the year will be at school, in person, at the Central HS Open House. PAC Board members will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the work we do. The last meeting of the year is held in person and will be where new board members are elected, and new committees are formed. Minutes of the PAC meetings are posted here and on Facebook within a week after the meeting.

Join us via Zoom

  • Meetings 2024-2025
    • Oct 14 2024 -  Central HS PAC Meeting - Join on Zoom
    • Dec 2 2024 - Central HS PAC Meeting
    • Feb 3, 2025 - Central HS PAC Meeting
    • Apr 28, 2025 - Central HS PAC Meeting
 
  • Minutes from 2023-2024 meetings
 

PAC Executive Officers:

Co-Chairs: Sunny Kase (term ends June 2024) & Anika Carter Ward (term ends June 2024)
Secretary: Kate McCready (term ends June 2025)
Treasurer: Heidi Van Schooten (term ends June 2024)
Communications: Jessica Ostrov (not a formal board position)


Questions about PAC: Please contact us with any questions and concerns about the Central High School PAC by emailing us here: centralhspac@gmail.com

Funding Request Form

Teacher & Student Group "Mini-Grants"

PAC provides small grants to teachers, staff, and student groups for educational materials that are not covered by the school's budget or departmental fundraising. We are particularly interested in funding requests that eliminate barriers and provide equitable opportunities for students of color. 

  • This year we will reimburse all requests up to $250 per teacher for items to be used in the classroom or in the student group.  
  • Each teacher or group can make 𝟭 π—Ώπ—²π—Άπ—Ίπ—―π˜‚π—Ώπ˜€π—²π—Ίπ—²π—»π˜ π—Ώπ—²π—Ύπ˜‚π—²π˜€π˜ for up-to $250. The request must include a copy of the receipt(s) of the item(s) purchased.  (Save receipts and make only one request during the 2022/23 school year.)
  • Please have a copy/image/scan of your receipt saved on your device/computer or Google drive before you begin the reimbursement request. 
  • Student Group Reimbursement Request Form 
    • To be eligible, student groups must have an official Central HS sponsor
    • Sports teams are not considered student groups. Any funding requests for sports teams should be directed to the Central High School Sports Boosters (treasurer@centralboosters.org).
  • Teacher/Staff Reimbursement Request Form 
    • PAC does not fund requests for professional development. PAC also does not directly fund requests for bus transportation, but has provided a grant to the school that could be used for field trip busing. To request use of those funds, please contact Principal Ayers.
  • Special Requests 
    • PAC also provides larger “grants” to support inclusive, community-building events or special projects that benefit Central HS and align with PAC’s mission. These larger requests can be brought to the PAC executive Board through the linked request form. Those will be brought to the PAC Executive Board meetings for discussion and approval. PAC does not fund requests for:
      • Professional Development
      • Bus Transportation
      • Sports Teams
      • Graduation Events

* We use the term “HUEmyns” to celebrate the varied humanity of the Central community and to be gender inclusive.