The Minneapolis Public School District is organized to encourage and solicit parent input at several levels.
Check each link for more information for what is happening now, and what is scheduled for this school year:

Area C Council

Southwest High School is a part of Area C of the MPS District. Area Councils provide an opportunity for parents to be involved in issues affecting our area and the district. Any and all parents are invited to attend regularly scheduled Area C meetings (2011-2012). Area Parent Advisory Council meetings provide parents an opportunity to:

• Provide input concerning school-related issues.
• Make recommendations in support of enhancing learning opportunities and environments.
• Advocate for issues vital to the success of schools, youth, and families in their community.

Each Area Parent Advisory Council selects six people to represent them on the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC). 

DPAC

The District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) is made up of six diverse representatives from each of the three Area Parent Advisory Councils (Areas A, B, and C); all parents or guardians are welcome to attend the meetings, however participation is limited. DPAC's primary funciton is to serve in an advisory role for MPS Superintendent Dr. Bernadea Johnson. DPAC meets monthly to discuss and advise on policy issues that will be coming before the School Board.

     2011-2012 school year DPAC meetings are scheduled from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on the following days:
     Sept.12,   October 10,   Nov 14,   Dec 12,   Jan 9,   Feb 13,   March 12,   April 16   and   May 14.
     Meetings are usually held in the Assembly Room at district headquarters at 807 NE Broadway.

CBAC

The Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee is open to all parents. For parents with a concern for where dollars come from and where they go at the District level, this is the place. The group meets as often as twice a month and communicates through an online group.