Title 1, School Site Council & English Learner Advisory Committee
The School Site Council (SSC) and the English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)
The School Site Council (SSC) and the English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) are the heart of school-wide decision-making at Rancho Mirage Elementary. These committees bring together parents, teachers, and staff to ensure every student—including our English Learners—has the resources they need to thrive.
School Site Council (SSC)
The Rancho Mirage Elementary School Site Council (SSC) is a decision-making body composed of parents, community members, and school staff working together to support student success. The primary role of the Council is to develop and recommend the school improvement plan and its corresponding budget to the school district governing board. Once a plan is approved, the Council maintains ongoing responsibility for reviewing the implementation of school programs with the principal and staff to periodically assess their effectiveness. By ensuring parity between school personnel and parent/community representatives, the SSC provides a platform for broad representation in the school’s academic and financial planning.
Meetings & Agendas
Stay informed and involved in our school’s decision-making process. The School Site Council (SSC) meets regularly—at least once per quarter—to discuss school improvements, student achievement, and budget allocations. These meetings are open to the public, and we encourage all parents and community members to attend.
- Schedule: Meeting dates and times are posted at least 48 hours in advance.
- Accessibility: Meetings are held in school facilities that are accessible to persons with disabilities, and interpreters are provided whenever available.
- Agendas & Minutes: Current agendas are posted 48 hours before each meeting, and official minutes are recorded by the Secretary and kept on file as a public record.
School Site Council (SSC)
English Learner Advisory Committee
March 19, 2026
Meeting at 4:45 p.m. in Conference Room and via Zoom
School Site Council (SSC)
February 5, 2026
Meeting at 4:45 p.m. in Conference Room and via Zoom
Council Membership & Governance
The School Site Council is a 10-member team designed to ensure parity between school staff and the parent community. Members are elected by their peers—teachers are selected by teachers, and parents are selected by parents—to ensure broad representation of our school attendance area.
Composition: The council is constituted of the principal, classroom teachers, other school personnel, and an equal number of parents or community members.
Term of Office: Members generally serve a two-year term, with elections held annually in August to maintain a staggered and consistent membership.
Leadership: Officers, including a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary, are elected annually each September.
Current Council Members
Representing School Staff
Dr. Ryan E. Saunders, Principal
Ms. Kristi Drake, Staff
Ms. Marirose Camarillo, Staff
Ms. Nancy Vela, Staff
Ms. Erin Kaye, Other
Representing Parents & Community
Emily Culhan, Parent
Todd Rosenthal, Parent
Lissette Benedetti, Parent
Denisee Rosas, Parent
Rebecca Mousseau, Parent
English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC)
The English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC) is dedicated to supporting our English Learner (EL) student population. The committee provides the School Site Council with valuable advice on programs and services for English Learners to ensure they have the resources needed to achieve academic success.
Collaborative Governance: To streamline communication and ensure all parent voices are heard, ELAC meetings at Rancho Mirage Elementary may be combined with regular School Site Council meetings.
Focus Areas: The committee reviews the school’s programs for English Learners and assists in the development of the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) as it relates to EL students.
Participation: All parents of English Learners are encouraged to participate and provide input on how RMES can best support their children’s language development and academic growth.