Parent engagement specialist

(1) (a) The state superintendent shall appoint an individual as a parent engagement specialist after: (i) posting the position publicly; and (ii) reviewing and consulting with the state board leadership about the appointment. (b) The individual appointed under this section shall preferably have experience: (i) working to constructively engage parents in guiding the parents' student's education; (ii) understanding research on education outcomes; and (iii) understanding laws pertaining to parental rights in education. (2) The parent engagement specialist shall respond to parent communications directed to the state board by: (a) maintaining and revising on behalf of the state board the parent portal required by Section 53G-6-806; (b) responding to questions and complaints to the state board regarding parent rights and opportunities within the state's education system; and (c) helping parents to navigate available complaint processes provided through the state board, at the LEA level, or at the public school level. (3) The parent engagement specialist shall provide guidance and outreach to LEAs and public schools across the state by: (a) providing training and materials to LEAs and public schools regarding successful parent engagement strategies; and (b) sharing research on parent engagement practices shown to contribute to student attendance and success. (4) In performing the parent engagement specialist's activities, the parent engagement specialist shall comply with Section 53E-2-201.