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Monday, April 16, 2012

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Washington State PTSA - I Still Don't Get It

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Washington State PTSA - I Still Don't Get It:


Washington State PTSA - I Still Don't Get It

The Washington State PTA holds its annual convention on May 4,5, and 6th in SeaTac.   I've attended a couple in the past and, as a former PTA Board member, I found them energizing (if not overwhelming).  You kind of get the sense that there are major players holding the cards and you are just there to watch.

Your unit has to send a delegate to vote at the Convention.  The Convention costs $190 per delegate.  The Legislative Session in October is $140.  (You can request a scholarship or work as a volunteer to waive this fee.)  That's a lot of money for a PTA to give up and yet decisions are being made in the name of PTA and that name carries a lot of weight with legislators.

Region 6 that includes Seattle as well as Shoreline, Northshore, and Vashon Island has a large WSPTA membership (about 75 PTAs) and yet typically only 20-30 attend.

What this means is that it is possible for the Convention to be controlled by one small group.

There are some good planks like supporting Arts Education, Alignment of Sleep Requirements for Optimum