I want to talk to you about the PTA and what we do. Apparently, there may be some misunderstanding among some of the parents and I want to make sure we are all on the same page. The PTA is a Parent/Teacher organization formed to advocate for the same standard of education, safety, and treatment for all school aged children in America. We are not a political organization; in fact, elected officers of the PTA are strongly advised not to show any political preferences. The PTA does not get involved with politics. We do have a legislative arm with representatives that keep us up-to-date on what is happening at the district, state, and national levels of school and country governments on changes to curriculum, budget, bills before congress, and anything else that might impact our children. There are parents, teachers, and even students of PTA’s and SPTO’s that draft bills to go before state and national congress that are written to improve the education and fair treatment of our children. Any such bills that make the final cut are voted on for support by the general membership (that’s you). I don’t know about you, but I am so glad that we have an organization like the PTA in place to communicate what is already happening to its membership and to communicate to our governments what we need to happen in order to provide the best education in a safe and nurturing environment for our children.

I have also heard there is a discrepancy about what we do with the money we receive for membership, donations, and fundraisers. First and foremost, let me tell you that it is your money, and we cannot do anything until you vote to approve it (like at the general meeting held on September 21^st). Second, only $3.85 total of each PTA membership is sent to the PTA organizing bodies (council, state, and national). This does not fund political campaigns. This money is used to print your membership cards, for copying forms, and for training for officers and chairpersons of your unit so that we can do the best job possible for our schools. Besides general expenses, every penny of profit the PTA receives goes to pay for programs and activities for the students of Del Cerro.

As always, I extend an invitation to you. Please attend the PTA meetings to learn more about where the money goes, what activities and programs are being planned, and how things are getting done. Motions up for approval, the agenda, and the minutes from the previous meeting are posted in the front office at least 10 days before the next meeting and are available for any PTA member to view. You can vote on any motion or decision as long as you are a paid PTA member. We look forward to seeing you at the next General Association meeting in November.

PTA, Every Child, One Voice.