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The Arlington School Board invites families, staff, students, and community members to share their voices, experiences, and perspectives by serving on a School Board Advisory Council. Advisory councils play an important role in supporting Arlington Public Schools by providing feedback, ideas, and community insight on topics that impact students, schools, and families. Council discussions help inform School Board decision-making in areas such as academics, student well-being, operations, personnel, and support services. Whether you are a parent or caregiver, staff member, student, community advocate, or resident with a passion for public education, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of APS.
The School Board is committed to building advisory councils that reflect the diversity of the APS community. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, including individuals connected to English learner programs, special education, advanced academics, Title I communities, budgeting, and community advocacy.
Meeting Information
- Meetings are generally held on a monthly basis from August through June.
- Meetings are held in person.
Why Join?
No experience required!
- Share your voice and experiences
- Help shape decisions impacting APS students and schools
- Learn more about Arlington Public Schools
- Connect with families, staff, students, and community members
- Support positive change across APS
Who can apply?
APS is committed to building advisory councils that reflect the diversity of the Arlington community and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
- Families and caregivers
- Students
- Staff
- Community members
- Business and community partners
Meeting and Participation Expectations:
Advisory council members are expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in meetings
- Review materials in advance
- Collaborate respectfully with others
- Help gather and share community feedback
- Support productive and positive discussions
Applicants may be selected for one advisory council. The information below provides a brief summary of each advisory council. To learn more, visit the Advisory Councils webpage.
- Application timeline: May 20 – October 31, 2026
- Date of First Appointments: June 18, 2026
*Applications and appointments are made on a rolling basis.
School Board Advisory Councils
Arlington Special Education Advisory Council (ASEAC)
- General Areas of Focus: Special education, accessibility, inclusion and student support
- Specific Topics for SY 2026-27: Co-teaching and inclusion; college and career readiness; special education teacher retention; pre-K programs for students with disabilities; early identification and intervention; resources for parents; transition planning
- Commitment: Monthly meetings and collaboration with families, staff and community stakeholders.
- Term Length: One-year term, renewable for up to eight years.
Academics Advisory Council
- General Areas of Focus: Academics, instructional programs, classroom supports and technology use
- Specific Topics for SY 2026-27: Math resource implementation, student device usage, specially designed instruction, co-teaching, elementary academic schedules and community partnerships
- Commitment: Monthly meetings and review of materials throughout the school year.
- Term Length: One-year term, renewable for up to eight years.
Student Health and Well-Being Advisory Council
- General Areas of Focus: Student wellness, mental health, school climate and student support
- Specific Topics for SY 2026-27: School climate and student mental health
- Commitment: Monthly meetings and collaboration with staff and community stakeholders.
- Term Length: One-year term, renewable for up to eight years.
Student Health and Well-Being Advisory Council charge
Personnel Advisory Council
- General Areas of Focus: Staffing, recruitment, retention and workforce support
- Specific Topics for SY 2026-27: APS policies and procedures; recruitment and retention; positions that are difficult to fill or have higher turnover rates
- Commitment: Monthly meetings and policy review discussions throughout the school year.
- Term Length: One-year term, renewable for up to eight years.
Operations Advisory Council
- General Areas of Focus: Facilities, sustainability, operations and maintenance planning
- Specific Topics for SY 2026-27: Informational materials for major facility and infrastructure projects, minor construction and maintenance projects, and reducing food waste
- Commitment: Monthly meetings and collaborative planning discussions.
- Term Length: One-year term, renewable for up to eight years.
English Learner Advisory Council
- General Areas of Focus: English learners, family engagement, communication and academic planning
- Specific Topics for SY 2026-27: Assessments for English learners; communications and informational materials related to academic progress and academic planning for students and families
- Commitment: Monthly meetings and community engagement activities throughout the school year.
- Term Length: One-year term, renewable for up to eight years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I serve on more than one council? No. Applicants may only be selected to serve on one advisory council at a time. This helps ensure broad community representation across all councils.
Do I need prior experience? No prior experience is required. APS welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. An interest in supporting students, schools, and the Arlington community is most important.
Are meetings virtual or in person? Meetings are held in person.
How are members selected? Advisory council members are selected through an application and review process designed to help ensure councils reflect the diversity, experiences, and perspectives of the APS community. The School Board considers a variety of factors, including community representation, interests, and areas of experience.