Maryland's Parent Advisory Council (M-PAC) will hold a series of 24 public forums throughout the state to solicit feedback on the series of recommendations the group has developed to increase parents' involvement in their children's education.

The forum in Montgomery County is scheduled for Monday, April 4, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

M-PAC was appointed in 2003 by Dr. Nancy Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, to address the goal of parent involvement in the state's comprehensive vision for education and produce a series of recommendations to address this important goal.

Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools, and representatives from the State Department of Education will welcome parents and other community members at the forum. Interpreters will be provided in Spanish, Korean, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The written recommendations also will be translated and available in these languages.

Verbal comments from attendees will be heard following the M-PAC presentation and should be limited to four minutes. A written summary of verbal comments is encouraged. Individuals may also submit written comments in lieu of verbal comments at the forum or by send them to the Maryland State Department of Education, 200 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. In addition, comments may be faxed to 410-333-2275 or e-mailed to M-PAC@msde.state.md.us.

For more information about this forum, contact Jane F. Butler, director, MCPS Division of Family and Community Partnerships, at 301-279-3100.