The Parent Advisory Council serves to provide parent feedback on school policies and procedures at Compass Charter Schools (Compass) to ensure that they are consistent with its Mission, Vision, and Values.
Members act as a committed group of advisors to the staff and administration, regarding issues that affect the scholars and school of Compass. They provide feedback and insight from the learning coaches’ (parent’s) perspective on school process, policies and initiatives to ensure that the needs of parents and their families are included as decisions are made. They also serve as an advisory, not a decision-making body, that makes recommendations, encourages brainstorming and provides opportunities for parent involvement on committees.
Meet Our Council
Teresa Cabral | Member
I am mother to two boys with exceptional needs. I am also a Chapman University graduate with a degree in Social Science. I am a certified special needs parent advocate. I serve on the the Special Education Advisory Committee here at Compass. I love the opportunity Compass allows our scholars, to learn the way that best fit their individual needs. I am excited to continue to be a part of the learning here at Compass.
Renee Cervantez | Member
I am a full-time stay at home mom of 3 in SoCal. I have a masters degree in Education & 7 years of classroom teaching experience. Currently, I am a contracted educator for the FKCE program at both Ventura & Oxnard College. My older 2 children are part of the options program with Compass and we are loving it. My husband & I enjoy camping and traveling to show the kids the beauty of nature and historic places within our state.
Samantha Herrod | Chair
Samantha Herrod holds two bachelor’s degrees in fine arts from the University of San Francisco and the College of the Arts, and has had the pleasure of being a paraprofessional and instructional aide for the Los Angeles Unified School District soon after graduating. Also during that time, Samantha had the honor of being an individualized tutor for a south Los Angeles school, Locke High School, in their math program called Mother of Many.
Since that time, Samantha has dedicated her time to educating her son, who is a Compass scholar and has been for the past eight years and is on his way to high school. They are very loud and proud! She also teaches a variety of art classes, one being art therapy, in which she instructs those who are experiencing homelessness and/or suffering from mental illness, for a non profit in south Los Angeles. Samantha’s expertise in marketing and customer service are also some of her specialties.
Samantha grew up in Los Angeles, California, where she got her love for art and education from her family. Her first experience in education was at her grandmother’s daycare, where she was guided to instruct young children in primary learning. This led her to also teach her first art class for the Star Program at Fairburn Elementary.
It has always been important for Samantha to represent children and to always allow them to have their own voice. She has been allowed to continue this service, especially as a member of the Parent Advisory Council for the past four years. She was raised with the concept that children need a village, and with Compass, you definitely have your village!
Leah Smith | Member
Leah Smith considers it a pleasure to serve on the PAC and aspires to bring the voice of other Options families to each meeting. She’s a long time Home educator of five with three graduates and two scholars. Creative, craftsy, keeps plants alive most of the time and loves a fun field trip. When she’s not elbow deep in a hands-on-project, you can find her assisting her husband in real estate and mortgage.
If you are interested in serving on the Parent Advisory Council, please contact Elizabeth Brenner, Superintendent & CEO, to learn how to get involved.