This paper describes how an elementary school included parents in participative decision making to develop successful student-affairs programming. Including parents in the development of school activities mollifies complainers, creates opportunities for parent input, and facilitates innovation. Student-affairs programming offers an excellent beginning point for the implementation of shared decision making. Many parents may be uncomfortable making decisions about curriculum and instruction, but feel competent offering ideas and practical advice about student extracurricular activities. Such participation may serve as a springboard for greater participation in other areas. (LMI)