Local School Advisory Team (LSAT)

What is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a group of parents/guardians, teachers, non-instructional staff members, community members, who meet monthly to advise the principal on school priorities. A diversity of perspectives and experiences is important to a successful LSAT experience, as we want to make sure our school leaders hear from a variety of voices that are representative of the overall school community.

What are the primary responsibilities of the LSAT?

  • Partnering with the principal on the development, monitoring, and refinement of the Comprehensive School Plan, including the supporting budget.

  • Advising the principal on school priorities

  • Reviewing data and assessment results to stay  informed of needs and trends

  • Promoting a positive school climate through respectful discourse

  • Complying with DC-specific requirements

  • Alignment of strategic goals and objectives of DCPS

LSAT Membership

Each Local School Advisory Team will have the following members representing their constituencies:

  • 1 WTU Building Representative or designee

  • 4 Teachers, elected by the ET-15 and EG-09 teachers

  • 4 Parents/guardians who have a student enrolled in the school, elected by the parents

  • 1 Parent Group Leader (of PTA, PTO, PTSA, HSA, or other such group) or designee who has a student enrolled in the school

  • 1 Non-Instructional Local School Staff Member, elected by non-instructional school staff

  • 1 Community Member who is a resident of the local school’s boundary, works within the school’s boundary, or is a member of one of the school’s official partner organizations (optional)

LSAT Parents/Guardians Positions

Powell families will have the opportunity to nominate and elect four representatives. Nominations may be submitted for multiple individuals, including oneself.

LSAT vs. PTOs

Local School Advisory Team

  • Required at each school

  • Parents, teachers and school community members

  • No budget

  • Helps to set school priorities and direction

  • LSAT goals should align with and support school goals

Parent Organization

  • Not required, but recommended

    Parent-led – membership largely made up of parents

  • 501 (c) 3

  • Helps carry out school priorities (fundraising, volunteers, etc.)

  • Parent organization goals should align with and support school goals

2025-2026 LSAT Representatives

  • Judith Sifontes

    Padres Representative

  • Sara Diamond

    Representative

  • Eva Heintzelman

    Representative

  • Chelsey Sokoloff

    Representative

  • Leyla Castillo

    Representative