State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox today named 28 parents from all over Georgia to serve on her Parent Advisory Council, including Rockdale resident Christie Medlock.

As a member of the council, Medlock - a parent of a student in Honey Creek Elementary and at Heritage High School - and the other parents will meet two times this year with Superintendent Cox to discuss education issues in Georgia. Their primary focus will be increasing parent and family engagement to ensure student success.

"As the mother of two boys, one a sophomore in high school and one a sophomore in college, I know first-hand the important role that parents play in the education of their children," Superintendent Cox said. "I look forward to working with these parents as they provide me and the Georgia Department of Education with great advice about getting parents more involved for the sake of our students' success."

The meetings will allow parents to provide feedback and input on new policies, projects, and materials that influence students and their families.

The Superintendent's Parent Advisory Council will share the information they learn with community members, other families, and schools. They will also serve as advisors and ambassadors in their respective communities.

The first meeting is on February 25 and will be held at the Georgia Department of Education.