Tuesday, May 28, 2019

President's Message


PTA Leaders,

It’s the end of the school year and a time of transition for students, families, teachers and PTAs. Students and families are looking forward to summer vacation and a new school or teacher in the fall. Teachers will be enjoying a break as well as making plans for their classroom for the next year. PTAs are electing new boards and saying goodbye to some families and volunteers while getting ready to welcome new members in August.

But while planning for a new PTA role may be exciting, the outgoing officers still have a few things to finish up.
×        Presidents should send Ohio PTA the names and contact information for next year’s officers.
×        Financial review committees should be appointed and the review done as soon as possible after the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
×        IRS 990 and Ohio Attorney General Charitable Trust reports can be filed once the review is finished.
×        All outgoing officers and chairs should update their files or procedure books and give them to their incoming counterparts.

2019-20 boards should start planning for next year.
×        Make sure your contact information has been sent to Ohio PTA so you receive your summer resource guide in July.
×        Meet with the principal or superintendent to reach a consensus on priorities for your PTA.
×        Talk with the outgoing board and evaluate last year’s programs.
×        Set goals…Increase membership? Hold more family engagement events? Connect to more families?
×        Design a creative membership campaign. Remember, even if a national dues increase is approved at convention in June, you can hold a summer membership sales at prior rates as long as you submit those dues by August 31.
×        Check out ohiopta.org and pta.org for turnkey programs and resources.

Keep in touch with your members and Ohio PTA over the summer via social media. Share your plans for next year and get families excited about joining your PTA. One great resource to share right now is this piece on how to turn the “summer slide” into the “summer stride.” Click here and distribute and show your families the value of PTA to their children.

Just like many of you, I too am transitioning to a new PTA role. It is has been an honor to serve as your president for past two years. I am always amazed by your dedication and passion for your school community. Thanks for giving your time and talents and truly living the PTA mission. You have made my term as president a joy!

Susan