Presidents Report
For those that did not attend LAUNCH this year, we want to make sure you are aware that the motion to increase the membership dues we pay to Texas PTA passed via an amended increase of 50 cents.
The National Dues increase proposal FAILED.
At this point in time, there are no changes to dues at a state or national level for this school year, but Texas PTA dues will increase 50 cents next year. Local PTA do not need to update bylaws for the purpose of the increase, however, every local PTA should consider this increase if contemplating their own local dues increase in the future and be aware that membership dues overall fee for their schools will increase so work will need to be done to update pricing and communicate it to membership.
PTA Texas Awards
Our Council is deeply committed to the mission of PTA ensuring EVERY child has a voice. With 44 PTAs and over 11,000 members, we do not take this responsibility lightly. That’s why when our advocacy efforts are recognized, it feels especially good.
Council received the 4 Year Key Award, Outstanding Council: Platinum Award and was among the Outstanding Advocate for Children Councils. Council was also recognized as: Voice for Every Child Bronze, Leadership Circle Spotlight, Advocacy Champions Spotlight, Making a Difference Spotlight, First Step Spotlight, Good Standing Platinum Spotlight…among other awards/distinctions for the 2022-2023 school year.
Membership
Welcoming Lauren Cafferty back again this year as our VP of Membership. Feel free to reach out with questions and look out for the monthly updates on how your PTA is progressing with your membership goals.
JoinPTA.org is up and running and ready to sign up new members! Keep an eye on your email for Membership updates. (If your Membership chair is not receiving emails from us, be sure to update your PTA's contact information here https://tinyurl.com/4zk6y4rr
Don’t forget to report your new members to Texas PTA at least once each month with the advice to report often and check the status of your members often.
Treasurer
If you have not paid your council dues or donations, please review the amounts on our website and deliver to us before the next delegate meeting. More information about this below.
We encourage Treasurers to review the updated resource guide from Texas PTA. One important item to always remember as a non-profit, PTA should never receive or give gift cards exceeding $25. The gift cards should be retail specific.
If the gift card is donated to the PTA to cover expenses, be sure to complete a funds request form and attach receipts showing how the card was used. This should be kept on record for financial reconciliation. If a retailer wants to provide a gift card higher than $25, work with them to issue the PTA a check.
Communication
This year we will be sending out monthly newsletters and featuring our PTAs in the district. We have some fun things planned to help with networking and helping you be successful in your local school. Please be sure to follow our Facebook page for daily updates and local information to share with your communities.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/leanderisdcouncilofptas/
Parliamentary Pointers!
Welcoming Alexis Frezza in her new role this year as our Parliamentarian. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Advocacy
Welcoming Amy Giaugue back again this year as our Advocacy chair.
The 88th Texas Legislative Session saw new measures passes impacting education in many ways. TASB has an overview of what was done so far:
https://www.tasb.org/members/advocate-district/2023-lege-recap/
We also anticipate a special session on Education. As we await for that session date, our PTA team is ready to advocate at the capital for Public Education. We will have ongoing discussion on these items as well as craft strategies to make our voice heard and presence known. Stay tuned for more information and be ready to advocate.
Clothes Closet
The month of August was busy with our Back to School events, emergency need response and keeping up with growing needs in our growing district. Through the first week of school, we provided clothing for over 900 students. A big thank you to everyone that donated items and to our volunteers that helped sort, stock and serve our community.
Here is where we need YOUR help:
Please make sure that your campus has a dedicated Clothed Closet Chair. The Clothes Closet is a Council of PTAs program and our PTAs run this resource throughout the district. We strive to ensure that every campus has access to clothing on site, good communication with our council representative, and a dedicated representative at all campuses so every student in need can get the clothing resources they require. Once your Clothes Closet representative is determined, please register them with Texas PTA and council so we can get them working with the Clothes Closet Committee.
PTA Reflections Program
Reflections has been a staple arts program in many schools for over 50 years. Through the efforts of our Local PTAs, students have found a creative outlet in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.
This year the Texas PTA theme is 'I am Hopeful'. Click the link below for more information.
