Madison City Council of PTAs stands prepared for 2013-2014

Madison City Council of PTAs held a training session in May for its new officers. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison City Council of PTAs soon will hold its kickoff meeting for the 2013-2014 school year. However, their planning work has been underway for months.

“We can’t wait until August to plan for the next year,” council president Sonja Griffith said.

Coinciding with the first day of school, the council’s kickoff meeting on Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon will include introduction of the board of directors, 2013-2014 goals and breakout sessions for different board positions. First Commercial Bank is sponsoring a luncheon, at which Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler will speak.

“PTAs (must) have their school year planned before Aug. 19,” Griffith said. Local units (or schools) coordinate open houses, promote membership, fundraise for the year’s projects and set budgets to cover their responsibilities, which may include the Renaissance Accelerated Reading program or playground mulch, among other projects.

“PTA is not just for fundraising. We’re the largest state group that advocates (for) children,” Griffith said. “The legislative committee has … set their agenda for next year, including a legislative forum before the next session and exploring the best methods to keep parents informed of upcoming votes in Montgomery.”

The council is composed of its officers (who are the board), each school’s PTA president, Central Office representative, standing committee chairpersons and past president. The board’s monthly meetings are open to the public, Griffith said.

Council members representing Madison schools are Amanda Kay, Bob Jones; Kara Lingerfelt, James Clemens; Heather Batchelor, Discovery; Alyson Willis, Liberty; Pam Metheny, Mill Creek; Melissa Price, Heritage; Piper Moore, Columbia; Angela Bong, Madison; Angie Enderton, West Madison; Chris Cornelius, Horizon; and Griffith, Rainbow.

Other members are legislative co-chairpersons Dr. Emily Cook and LeAnne Letize McGhee, past president Cook, bylaws chairperson Melanie Davis, awards chairperson Janoe Stauch, scholarship chairperson Devonee Woods, director of student services Dennis James and Reflections co-chairpersons Gunn Abele and Melissa Laughlin.

This summer, Griffith has attended Alabama PTA state board meetings. Madison will co-host the Alabama PTA Convention in May 2014 at the Huntsville Marriott.