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Bill would give all parents voice in school decisions
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Anonymous | 12:34 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
PTA only requires membership for those who are serving on the PTA Boards or who
want to vote on the PTA Budget or elect those on the PTA Board.
PTA does not require membership for students to participate in any of the activities that they sponsor, Reflections, Red Ribbon Week, Teacher Appreciation, many supplemental reading programs, book fairs, and many other activities. PTA does not turn away anyone who wants to volunteer to help. PTA helps fill in some of the gaps that will/are occurring because of budget cuts. PTA supports ALL children regardless of membership or not.
Since the PTA does not have any control over any of the educational decision in a school this is not a bill to allow equal access but a bill designed to punish the PTA for opposing the voucher bill.
PTA membership dues mostly stay within the school's PTA, only $2.50 goes to State and National PTA. If you want a say in how an organization spends its' own money, you must join that organization.
PTA does not require membership for students to participate in any of the activities that they sponsor, Reflections, Red Ribbon Week, Teacher Appreciation, many supplemental reading programs, book fairs, and many other activities. PTA does not turn away anyone who wants to volunteer to help. PTA helps fill in some of the gaps that will/are occurring because of budget cuts. PTA supports ALL children regardless of membership or not.
Since the PTA does not have any control over any of the educational decision in a school this is not a bill to allow equal access but a bill designed to punish the PTA for opposing the voucher bill.
PTA membership dues mostly stay within the school's PTA, only $2.50 goes to State and National PTA. If you want a say in how an organization spends its' own money, you must join that organization.
Half of dues leave the school | 1:45 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Anonymous says that most of PTA membership dues stay within the school, but
that's not the case. The average dues are $5, and as Anon points out, half
of that ($2.50) goes to the state and national PTA.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 3:22 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
To: Tenderheart
The only way for you to have the "major" voice in the education of your child is to home school them or start a Charter with YOU as the chair of the Board of Directors.
Think of a regular public school with a population of 1,000 students. Think of those students in classes of 37-40. Think of the hundreds of different parents who all have differing ideas of what is "major" for their child. Do you really think that the school will be able to educate your child in the exact way that YOU think is best? Impossible!
The only way for you to have the "major" voice in the education of your child is to home school them or start a Charter with YOU as the chair of the Board of Directors.
Think of a regular public school with a population of 1,000 students. Think of those students in classes of 37-40. Think of the hundreds of different parents who all have differing ideas of what is "major" for their child. Do you really think that the school will be able to educate your child in the exact way that YOU think is best? Impossible!
This bill is purely a hit | 4:09 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
on the PTA. Anon 12:34 is exactly right about dues. No one has to pay them to
have a voice at the school. Community councils are free. Volunteer for one
today.
MOM | 4:09 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Just another effort by self-interested legislators to dismantle public
education. I'm not so sure that all parents know their children better
than anyone else. Even so, not many parents have the skill, patience or
discipline to home school their children. But, some senators are keen on the
notion that public education is useless.
RE: MOM | 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Yeah, do not want the parents to have a voice in anything, do we?
The less direct the better!
The more organizations, more unions, more government that we can put between the schools and the people, the parents, the better it is.
The less direct the better!
The more organizations, more unions, more government that we can put between the schools and the people, the parents, the better it is.
UtahCPA | 4:41 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
This naked attempt to make PTA an outlawed organization is pure retaliation for
PTA�s role in defeating School Vouchers in 2007.
Bramble is angry that many PTA members supported his opponent during the recent election.
Read the bill, it prohibits schools from working with any organization that charges dues. Can you imagine? Utah�s 140,000 PTA members could no longer volunteer at their schools.
Bramble is angry that many PTA members supported his opponent during the recent election.
Read the bill, it prohibits schools from working with any organization that charges dues. Can you imagine? Utah�s 140,000 PTA members could no longer volunteer at their schools.
Doug Cortney | 7:16 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Regardless of the PR name they gave it, this bill is not about Equal Recognition
of Parent Groups. If it were, it would not prohibit schools from working with
PTAs.
The bill makes it very clear that schools must treat every parent group completely equally -- so a broad-based, 200-member group gets no more attention than three parents who form a group to get teacher X fired -- except that schools are explicitly prohibited from working with parent groups that require members to pay dues. Like... hmm... the PTA.
The Senate Education Committee dealt with this concern by approving an amendment allowing schools to work with any dues-requiring parent group that doesn't require dues.
I kid you not.
Thing is, the PTA has explained that while they provide scholarships for those who can't afford dues (so nobody is denied membership for financial reasons), national rules prevent them from actually waiving dues -- they must be paid, even if the chapter itself pays them for some members. Thus they aren't able to qualify for the non-dues-requiring dues-requiring parent group exception.
So all parent groups are equal. Except those that are prohibited.
The bill makes it very clear that schools must treat every parent group completely equally -- so a broad-based, 200-member group gets no more attention than three parents who form a group to get teacher X fired -- except that schools are explicitly prohibited from working with parent groups that require members to pay dues. Like... hmm... the PTA.
The Senate Education Committee dealt with this concern by approving an amendment allowing schools to work with any dues-requiring parent group that doesn't require dues.
I kid you not.
Thing is, the PTA has explained that while they provide scholarships for those who can't afford dues (so nobody is denied membership for financial reasons), national rules prevent them from actually waiving dues -- they must be paid, even if the chapter itself pays them for some members. Thus they aren't able to qualify for the non-dues-requiring dues-requiring parent group exception.
So all parent groups are equal. Except those that are prohibited.
RE: half the dues... | 7:35 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
I don't know where you live but our PTA dues here average $7, so most the
money does stay in the school's PTA budget.
Utahparent | 10:19 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Attempting to limit parental involvement in schools is a bad idea. Do research
on how some states have banned PTA and you can't volunteer in your
child's classroom or even visit without a hassle. PTA create partnerships
between schools and parents. PTA can also be used to keep school districts from
running over parents.
Our local goals may sometimes differ from National PTA but Utah has often helped steer National PTA to more common values. Let's not give up and run but stand up for our values on the national scene. National PTA has done some very valuable work and we have benefited from it.
PTOs are sometimes suitable but they have limitations. Schools and districts have more power in PTOs and PTO can be excluded from some grants and programs.
Equal access for groups great--Why try to kick out PTA in a equal access bill? Smells fishy. It might make rotary and other groups unable to provide programs and services they generously sponsor in our schools. Let the legislature know we want parental involvement in the schools of all kinds--not just what they like.
Our local goals may sometimes differ from National PTA but Utah has often helped steer National PTA to more common values. Let's not give up and run but stand up for our values on the national scene. National PTA has done some very valuable work and we have benefited from it.
PTOs are sometimes suitable but they have limitations. Schools and districts have more power in PTOs and PTO can be excluded from some grants and programs.
Equal access for groups great--Why try to kick out PTA in a equal access bill? Smells fishy. It might make rotary and other groups unable to provide programs and services they generously sponsor in our schools. Let the legislature know we want parental involvement in the schools of all kinds--not just what they like.
to: UtahParent | 11:22 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Perfectly SILLY! "Do research on how some states have banned PTA and you
can't volunteer" - RIDICULOUS! Back up your claim. This is not
true.
You have been duped by the Utah PTA claim that "we are saving the world" by bringing "Utah values" to the national scene. Ridiculous!! I have heard this silliness for several years - after I moved here and asked "why on earth would Utahns support PTA - it is a liberal organization that supports many things Utahns don't believe in?" (most conservatives in other states where we have lived - Texas, Colorado, Arizona- gave up on PTA as soon as they learned about what they really stand for.
The answer the state PTA reps gave me was this silly "we are saving the world by influencing the national level." Oh my, what flattery can do to innocents. You aren't reforming the national folks, I promise. You are selling your souls. Your dollars are being used for purposes you don't support.
PTA needs to be dismantled. PTO's serve students and families best.
You have been duped by the Utah PTA claim that "we are saving the world" by bringing "Utah values" to the national scene. Ridiculous!! I have heard this silliness for several years - after I moved here and asked "why on earth would Utahns support PTA - it is a liberal organization that supports many things Utahns don't believe in?" (most conservatives in other states where we have lived - Texas, Colorado, Arizona- gave up on PTA as soon as they learned about what they really stand for.
The answer the state PTA reps gave me was this silly "we are saving the world by influencing the national level." Oh my, what flattery can do to innocents. You aren't reforming the national folks, I promise. You are selling your souls. Your dollars are being used for purposes you don't support.
PTA needs to be dismantled. PTO's serve students and families best.
PTA is a political party | 3:51 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
Long ago when my children were in school and I joined the PTA I found it to be a
politically motivated group working in conjunction with the UEA to take control
of what parents can or cannot do with the education system and the schools.
Calling themselves a volunatry group is a misnommer and of very little help to
the schools. The PTA is more interested in the legilative side of education and
their pursuit of funds to support their group. I found their cause objectionable
very quickly and more as a front for lobbyist than caring about parent
involvement in education. Infact, the PTA discourages parents getting invloved
with schools without their approval and only for certain PTA political
objectives. Very seldom was there ever any discussion or interaction with
parents and teachers and their childrens education. The annotation Parent
Teacher is bogus, there is no parent teacher interaction or involvement. They
are merely grass roots level political parties operating within the school
system. They should be abolished and banned, and let parents have some
meaningful parent teacher relationships without political interference.
Anonymous | 5:43 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
to: UtahParent | 11:22 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009
Public education is a liberal philosophy as well. I'd wager you'd be one of those voucher cronies aiming to damage public education in any way possible. What better way to get vouchers resurrected than ban the PTA.
Public education is a liberal philosophy as well. I'd wager you'd be one of those voucher cronies aiming to damage public education in any way possible. What better way to get vouchers resurrected than ban the PTA.
Utah Parent | 8:07 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
New neighbor from Arizona was thrilled to have PTA and volunteer opportunities
in her Utah school. Family and friends in New York have personal experience not
being allowed in public schools as volunteers.
I am an educator and have worked in the public school system. I spent several hundred hours and plenty of money fighting the last voucher bill, not on principle--there are plenty of reasons why some families need alternative education options--but because the bill was seriously flawed.
PTA gets listend to because Utah schools desperately need a well organized and effective partner to get things done in schools that we don't have the funding to do and they help make up the difference. Eye screening, science fairs, spelling bees, geo bees, Reflections, reading intervention programs, and dozens of other programs happend because of PTA. My sister in Idaho is missing many of these programs with her PTO. She can't qualify to get grants or funding and her school holds the purse strings.
Schools where PTA legislative VP attend board school meetings get included in decisions and parents are heard.
This is voucher backlash plain and simple. Include others yes. Muzzle PTA no.
I am an educator and have worked in the public school system. I spent several hundred hours and plenty of money fighting the last voucher bill, not on principle--there are plenty of reasons why some families need alternative education options--but because the bill was seriously flawed.
PTA gets listend to because Utah schools desperately need a well organized and effective partner to get things done in schools that we don't have the funding to do and they help make up the difference. Eye screening, science fairs, spelling bees, geo bees, Reflections, reading intervention programs, and dozens of other programs happend because of PTA. My sister in Idaho is missing many of these programs with her PTO. She can't qualify to get grants or funding and her school holds the purse strings.
Schools where PTA legislative VP attend board school meetings get included in decisions and parents are heard.
This is voucher backlash plain and simple. Include others yes. Muzzle PTA no.
Anonymous | 8:54 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
IMO, this bill is not needed. There are currently no rules or laws that
prohibit any school or district from working with other parent organizations or
even individual parents.
This bill will have some unintended consequences. At my local high school we have many different parent organizations one for every competitive sports team, fine arts groups, cheerleaders, drill team, and probably more. Most of these groups charge a fee to the parents to join so they can have voting rights as to who is in charge and how to spend the money raised, just like PTA. Since these parent organizations work with the school now they will have to change their rules or stop working with school.
There are so many more important bills to be focusing on, look at the budget woes. Why is our Legislature wasting time on this bill that is not needed?
This bill will have some unintended consequences. At my local high school we have many different parent organizations one for every competitive sports team, fine arts groups, cheerleaders, drill team, and probably more. Most of these groups charge a fee to the parents to join so they can have voting rights as to who is in charge and how to spend the money raised, just like PTA. Since these parent organizations work with the school now they will have to change their rules or stop working with school.
There are so many more important bills to be focusing on, look at the budget woes. Why is our Legislature wasting time on this bill that is not needed?
cdmom | 9:01 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
My sister is in a PTO in New Mexico, there are 7 parents who are involved,
period. Those 7 parents are the only ones the school feels comfortable with to
volunteer in the classroom. That means that there is one parent volunteer for
every grade level. The school administration feels that parents do not have a
vested interest in the school since they do not have to pay to join the PTO.
Since they do not have a vested interest they do not need to be in the school
volunteering. The PTO does not have control of the money they raise, that is the
job of the school. A PTO is a very different animal from PTA.
In Utah, PTA has tried to make the parent members the decision makers. No PTA money is to be controlled by the school, the PTA is to have a separate account. PTA has made School Community Councils and Trust Lands monies a reality. So before you condemn PTA, look to the local schools and find out what your PTA really does for your school.
In Utah, PTA has tried to make the parent members the decision makers. No PTA money is to be controlled by the school, the PTA is to have a separate account. PTA has made School Community Councils and Trust Lands monies a reality. So before you condemn PTA, look to the local schools and find out what your PTA really does for your school.
HAL | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
I am happy to be part of an organization that pays dues to a national
organization working for the benefit of all of our nation�s
children. My $1.75 dues is a bargain as I see it!
1897Founding of the National Congress of Mothers to act on behalf of children in the home, at school, and in the world.
1898-99The Congress promotes cooperation between parents and teachers; advocates for sex education (maturation programs); and lobbies for a national health bureau.
1900sFathers urged to join; PTA already voicing public concern for juvenile justice issues and the need for child labor laws, as well as federal aid to schools.
1910sPTA urges that kindergarten be part of education system; asks parents to supervise their children's attendance at moving pictures; local PTAs serve hot lunches to children.
1920sThe Georgia Colored Congress of Parents and Teachers is formed to serve children in segregated states; PTA begins a nationwide children's health project; and is involved in the first university courses in school-home relations.
1897Founding of the National Congress of Mothers to act on behalf of children in the home, at school, and in the world.
1898-99The Congress promotes cooperation between parents and teachers; advocates for sex education (maturation programs); and lobbies for a national health bureau.
1900sFathers urged to join; PTA already voicing public concern for juvenile justice issues and the need for child labor laws, as well as federal aid to schools.
1910sPTA urges that kindergarten be part of education system; asks parents to supervise their children's attendance at moving pictures; local PTAs serve hot lunches to children.
1920sThe Georgia Colored Congress of Parents and Teachers is formed to serve children in segregated states; PTA begins a nationwide children's health project; and is involved in the first university courses in school-home relations.
HAL | 9:18 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
1930sA special nutrition project and emergency services prevent children from
suffering during the Great Depression; PTA studies automobile and school bus
safety as they relate to children.
1940sPTA launches nationwide school lunch program; becomes one of the first non-governmental organizations to support the establishment of the United Nations; creates new university project to teach teachers home-school relations; wartime activities include the weekly radio series, "The Family in War", featuring the Baxter family and a panel of experts discussing the episode.
1950sPTA calls a national conference to address narcotics and drug addiction in youth; helps field-test and win support for the Salk Polio Vaccine; and promotes health supervision of children from early childhood through high school.
1940sPTA launches nationwide school lunch program; becomes one of the first non-governmental organizations to support the establishment of the United Nations; creates new university project to teach teachers home-school relations; wartime activities include the weekly radio series, "The Family in War", featuring the Baxter family and a panel of experts discussing the episode.
1950sPTA calls a national conference to address narcotics and drug addiction in youth; helps field-test and win support for the Salk Polio Vaccine; and promotes health supervision of children from early childhood through high school.
HAL cont. | 9:21 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
1960sPTA creates public message about the dangerous effects of smoking; helps
enact child protection and toy safety legislation; promotes art education via a
nationwide cultural arts program; and creates a new focus on home-school
relations in low-income areas.
1970sGeorgia Colored Congress of Parents and Teachers and National Congress of Parents and Teachers unite to become one organization; PTA expands outreach to combat alcohol abuse; calls for parents to share in decision making in schools; begins project to oppose violence on television; opens Office of Governmental Relations in Washington, DC; and invites students to sit on the National PTA Board of Directors.
1980sPTA fights for automobile safety belt and child restraint legislation; creates a drug/alcohol abuse prevention project; focuses more attention on children and families in the inner cities; and creates national HIV/AIDS education program for parents.
1970sGeorgia Colored Congress of Parents and Teachers and National Congress of Parents and Teachers unite to become one organization; PTA expands outreach to combat alcohol abuse; calls for parents to share in decision making in schools; begins project to oppose violence on television; opens Office of Governmental Relations in Washington, DC; and invites students to sit on the National PTA Board of Directors.
1980sPTA fights for automobile safety belt and child restraint legislation; creates a drug/alcohol abuse prevention project; focuses more attention on children and families in the inner cities; and creates national HIV/AIDS education program for parents.
HAL | 9:25 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
1990sPTA convenes national summit on parental involvement; becomes major force
in adding parental involvement to National Education Goals; develops National
Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs in cooperation with education
and parent involvement professionals; initiates nationwide campaign to protect
children from violence; forges partnerships with other national groups to
promote parent involvement in early childhood education and teacher education;
celebrates 100th anniversary.
1997The Postal Service released a 32 cent stamp to honor the 100th Anniversary of the National PTA.
2000'sNational PTA publishes the book, Building Successful Partnerships: A Guide to Parent and Family Involvement Programs. Launches How to Help Your Child Succeed national workshop series and online resource. Responds to national tragedy by launching "Helping Children Cope With Tragedy" website within 24 hours of 9-11-01 events. Issues The Resiliency of the Human Spirit resource booklet to all PTAs in October 2001. Instrumental in strengthening the parent involvement provisions in the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act, renamed the No Child Left Behind Act. Premieres the Hispanic Outreach Initiative to increase Hispanic parents' involvement in schools and PTA.
1997The Postal Service released a 32 cent stamp to honor the 100th Anniversary of the National PTA.
2000'sNational PTA publishes the book, Building Successful Partnerships: A Guide to Parent and Family Involvement Programs. Launches How to Help Your Child Succeed national workshop series and online resource. Responds to national tragedy by launching "Helping Children Cope With Tragedy" website within 24 hours of 9-11-01 events. Issues The Resiliency of the Human Spirit resource booklet to all PTAs in October 2001. Instrumental in strengthening the parent involvement provisions in the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act, renamed the No Child Left Behind Act. Premieres the Hispanic Outreach Initiative to increase Hispanic parents' involvement in schools and PTA.
Doug Cortney | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
This seems to be devolving into an "I like PTA" vs. "I don't
like PTA" discussion.
I'll suggest that there are probably good local PTA chapters and bad local PTA chapters -- just as there are with any other organization. I'm sure all those writing here about PTA (pro or con) are sincere in their opinions and beliefs.
While I have other objections to this bill, the bottom line for me is that it makes no sense to prohibit schools from working with a parent group simply because it requires dues.
The alleged problem this bill addresses is that schools only work with PTA, meaning a parent is required to pay dues in order to have a voice in school decisions. If that were the true intent, though, there would be no reason to add the bit prohibiting schools from working with PTA groups. By adding that stipulation, Sen. Bramble and the bill's supporters have tipped their hands; this is about outlawing the PTA in Utah.
Whether or not one supports the PTA's stands, "equal recognition" shouldn't prevent involvement of a legitimate parent group.
This bill should be voted down.
I'll suggest that there are probably good local PTA chapters and bad local PTA chapters -- just as there are with any other organization. I'm sure all those writing here about PTA (pro or con) are sincere in their opinions and beliefs.
While I have other objections to this bill, the bottom line for me is that it makes no sense to prohibit schools from working with a parent group simply because it requires dues.
The alleged problem this bill addresses is that schools only work with PTA, meaning a parent is required to pay dues in order to have a voice in school decisions. If that were the true intent, though, there would be no reason to add the bit prohibiting schools from working with PTA groups. By adding that stipulation, Sen. Bramble and the bill's supporters have tipped their hands; this is about outlawing the PTA in Utah.
Whether or not one supports the PTA's stands, "equal recognition" shouldn't prevent involvement of a legitimate parent group.
This bill should be voted down.
MOTHER | 10:26 a.m. Feb. 18, 2009
I can't figure out why these people keep getting re-elected.
MadMax | 3:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 2009
A bill to prohibit the PTA from participating in efforts to help schools and
their children is a joke! Sen. Bramble is still mad about PTA opposing
vouchers. Bramble is another out of touch legislator. How would prohibiting
the PTA from working in the schools and having a voice in the schools be bad?
Does Bramble realize how many things would not happen in the schools if the PTA
were to be banned? Fund raising? Eye screening? Teacher aides? Room mothers?
Advocacy for education? I have a better idea - Let's prohibit the
legislature from having any influence over the schools. That could be the best
thing to happen to education since the inception of universal public educaton.
mel | 8:46 p.m. Feb. 19, 2009
I have just finished listening to the committee hearing. Anyone who thinks this
is about anything other than doing away with PTA should listen to the testimony
of Bramble and Frandsen.
Just one question for Frandsen-she quoted PTA legislative priorities-what is her schools legislative priority? How many of her school parents voted on her PTO -note that one school-priority. Let's have an answer Ms. Fransen.
By the way, it seems that you have plenty of access-you wrote, presented and testified on SB199.
Maybe your local area doesn't agree with your agenda-whatever that is-and so you had to make this a state issue.
Just one question for Frandsen-she quoted PTA legislative priorities-what is her schools legislative priority? How many of her school parents voted on her PTO -note that one school-priority. Let's have an answer Ms. Fransen.
By the way, it seems that you have plenty of access-you wrote, presented and testified on SB199.
Maybe your local area doesn't agree with your agenda-whatever that is-and so you had to make this a state issue.
Molly | 6:56 a.m. Feb. 20, 2009
Just for the record, we "went" PTO two years ago and we're just
as official as we ever were as a PTA. Our money is just as separate. We still
run our own group as we want and we still have a strong voice with the
administration. This stuff about PTOs being somehow lesser than PTAs is a myth
propoagated by the state PTA (and certainly by national PTA).
When we switched, we were amazed to learn that in most of the country almost all groups are already PTOs. The Utah PTA tried to make it seem like we were radical for going independent. Wasn't the case. It was the best move we ever made. We still do the same exact work but we don't charge dues and we aren't wrapped together with all the Chicago nonsense.
When we switched, we were amazed to learn that in most of the country almost all groups are already PTOs. The Utah PTA tried to make it seem like we were radical for going independent. Wasn't the case. It was the best move we ever made. We still do the same exact work but we don't charge dues and we aren't wrapped together with all the Chicago nonsense.
lbhansen | 1:03 p.m. Feb. 23, 2009
One of the greatest things about PTA is the collaboration between organizations
and the wonderful training I receive. I can go to meetings and get great ideas
and can share the ideas I have. When I have a problem or a question and need
help, I have someone I can call who can help me work through those. I have a
network that I can send parents to when they are concerned about their at-risk
or Special Needs children. I have learned how to advocate for my children with
local school board members as well as with my local legislators.
It's my belief that we should support all the good we can - and PTA has done a lot of good for my family and me.
It's my belief that we should support all the good we can - and PTA has done a lot of good for my family and me.
Sariah | 9:41 p.m. Feb. 23, 2009
There are some strong PTOs who can make it on their own. But there are other
schools in Frandsen's own district, notably in low income areas, that
wouldn't have a surviving parent group if they didn't have the support
from the Council (district) PTA. Regional and state training the PTA gives
makes sure we are fiscally responsible and have some kind of assistance in
learning leadership skills. None of this is exclusive--even the state PTA
training is open to non-members (at a higher non-subsidized price because state
PTA dues make it possible to have the conference at all). The only thing dues
are required for is serving on the board (and someone else is always willing to
pay for you if you are willing to serve but can't afford $5), and for
voting. Most decisions are made by consensus during discussion anyway, and no
one checks whether you are a member while talking.
Henry | 7:04 a.m. Feb. 25, 2009
This is so blatant against the PTA. They are calling for a voice and a say in
the schools, saying that the PTA deprives them of that. They are obviously
parents who have never volunteered at their schools. The greatest voice they
can have for determining what is done at their school, and that includes
financially is to become a member of the schools community council. They are
responsible for determining what $15,000 or more from school land trust funds
are spent on. Forget about the $3000 or $5000 that the PTA raise on their own,
and really make a difference and join the community council. In most schools,
the PTA works with the Principle and the Community Council to determine where
they could spend the money. Obviously these people are mad at the PTA and want
to do away with it. Hey maybe we should petition to have a say what is done
with the money their families earn..even though we aren't a part of their
family! Give me a Break!!! Volunteer at your schools, in your kids classes
and join the community council!
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Interesting and entertaining observations of the Utah Legislature.
I'm somewhat proud to say that our 4-year-old can now argue in two...
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Wow, finally someone is making some sense at the Legislature.
If I am to be judged by test scores as a teacher I will not teach the low...
Let me guess. New Hampshire is not being represented by it's own House and...
SS is paid and is essentially a general obligation. The problem is that SS...
I got way tired of eating nothing but meat and potatoes when I lived there....
Anyone paying for a good or service wants to see results. Duh, who would go...
True free speech is for everyone or no one.
Imagine your life without those "liars and thieves" and the service they...
The reason whe have to buy our wind turbines from China is that "progressive"...
You think the DNews is censoring because of their choice in computing/desktop...
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Parents are primarily responsible for educating their children. They "hire" public schools to help - not to take over and make decisions in which parents have no say and with which they may disagree.
American education is strongest when it reflects parents' heart-felt desires for the maximum development of their own children. It becomes weaker when politicians and bureaucrats try to assume that role.
Nobody at any level of education or position knows children as well as their own parents.