Advisory Committees & Family Leadership

The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is a districtwide group that represents the voices of families of Multilingual Learners. It advises the district on programs, services, and policies that support English Learners, helping ensure equitable opportunities for academic success while honoring students’ cultural and linguistic identities.

DELAC reviews and provides input on English Learner programs, reclassification, parent engagement, and needs assessments. It also keeps families informed about district goals, state requirements, and available resources, while advocating for student achievement and well-being.

DELAC is made up of representatives from each school’s English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), creating a strong connection between school-level input and district decision-making.

At the San Mateo-Foster City School District, family voice plays an important role in shaping how we support our communities. The Sanctuary Task Force (STF) provides a space where families, staff, and community partners come together to focus on the needs of immigrant, refugee, and newcomer students and families.

The STF centers on creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environments by addressing the social, emotional, and community supports that help families feel connected and informed. Through shared dialogue and collaboration, the task force helps identify resources, raise awareness, and strengthen systems of support across the district.

By participating in the Sanctuary Task Force, families and community members help amplify voices, promote equity, and build a stronger, more supportive community where all students and families can thrive.

More information is available on our Sanctuary Task Force page. 

The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) is a school-level group that brings together families of Multilingual Learners to advise the principal and staff on programs and services for English Learners. It ensures students’ needs, strengths, and cultural identities are centered in school decisions.

ELAC reviews data, discusses reclassification supports, advises on family engagement, and provides input on the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) as it relates to English Learners. It also helps families understand how schools support language development, academic growth, and access to resources.

ELAC builds strong home-school partnerships and serves as a bridge to DELAC, with representatives sharing site-level input at the district level.

Families can get involved by attending meetings or serving in roles like ELAC chair or DELAC representative—no prior experience needed, just a desire to support students.

The School Site Council (SSC) is a school-based decision-making group made up of parents, teachers, staff, and the principal. It helps guide the school’s academic programs, resource allocation, and overall focus on student achievement, including the success of English Learners.

SSC reviews student data, develops and approves the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), and monitors how funds are used to support school goals. It also collaborates with ELAC to ensure the needs of English Learners are reflected in the school’s plan.

Through SSC, families have a direct voice in shaping school priorities. Parents can get involved by attending meetings, running for a parent seat, or contributing to discussions that guide school improvement efforts.