Meeting Date: May, May 20, 2025
Meeting Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Executive Board Attendees:
President: Sam Posner
Co-Treasurers: Michelle Choi
Sophie Richards
Vice President: Shahla Jabeen
Meeting Commencement and Agenda Sam Posner thanked Jessica Jones for publicizing the meeting. The PTA meeting for PS26, Jesse Owens, was called to order to elect the executive board for the 2025-26 school year and to discuss the courtyard initiative. Sam Posner noted that the minutes from the March and April meetings were available on the school website.
Treasurer's Report Michelle Choi presented the treasurer's report, highlighting the success of the family fun auction which raised approximately $2,800, including $550 from the taco stand. The Cool Culture Pass was funded at $3,500. The PTA ended with a balance of $18,780.91, having raised almost $25,000 during the year, exceeding the previous year's total. Michelle Choi also mentioned the successful marathon bake sale, which raised $1,600 after costs, with a goal of $2,000 next year.
Teacher Reimbursements and School Activities Michelle Choi noted that teacher reimbursement money was being distributed. Sam Posner highlighted recent school events through a slideshow, including student artwork winning an award, the return of the teacher appreciation breakfast cart, and custom candles for teachers and staff. Sam Posner also mentioned a successful aromatherapy workshop for parents funded by Title One funds and expressed hope for similar activities next year.
Importance of PTA Involvement Sam Posner emphasized the significant impact of the PTA on the education of all children in the school community and expressed gratitude for those who step up to volunteer their time. Sam Posner provided an update on the teacher reimbursement plan, stating that $2,500 had been set aside, allowing eligible staff to submit up to $100 in out-of-pocket expenses for educational purposes. Approximately $500 had been reimbursed so far.
Fifth Grade Graduation Gift Idea Sam Posner proposed using Scholastic credit to purchase books as graduation gifts for fifth graders. The idea involved collaborating with teachers to select appropriate titles based on reading levels and interests to personalize the gifts. Bernice Sanchez, a parent of a fifth grader, offered to help with the communication and execution of this initiative. Michelle Choi suggested potentially having students or parents choose from a catalog.
PTA Executive Board Roles and Responsibilities Sam Posner reviewed the responsibilities of each PTA executive board position, including president (chief administrator), treasurer (chief financial officer), secretary (record keeping), and vice president (assisting the president). Sam Posner also described the role of parent representatives on the School Leadership Team (SLT), which meets monthly and includes equal numbers of staff and parents.
Challenges with Election Facilitator Sam Posner and Jessica Jones encountered technical difficulties with Chameleia Brockton Cruz, the family leadership coordinator from district 16, who was to facilitate the election. Camelia Brogdan-Cruz, FACE coordinator for District 16 had trouble with audio and being kicked out of the meeting.
Engaging a New Parent Charnelle Jones joined the meeting mistakenly thinking it was a parent-teacher conference and expressed a lack of awareness about the PTA and the candidates. Michelle Choi and Sam Posner took the opportunity to introduce themself and explain the PTA's efforts to build a stronger parent community.
PTA Executive Board Elections Despite the initial technical difficulties, the election process commenced with Camelia Brogdan-Cruz facilitating. Michelle Choi and Sam Posner were nominated and accepted the nomination to serve as co-presidents. Doris Jean was nominated and accepted the role of recording secretary.
Treasurer Position and Financial Secretary Danelly Crespo inquired about the responsibilities of the treasurer. Michelle Choi explained the role, and M. Koffi expressed interest but could not commit until August due to schedule uncertainty. Jessica Jones clarified that a functioning PTA requires at least one mandatory member elected, and the treasurer position could be filled by September 30th, potentially in an emergency meeting. The option of having a financial secretary to assist the treasurer was also mentioned.
Vice President Election Shala was nominated by Sophie Richards and seconded by Rachel Hills for the position of vice president and accepted the nomination. The nominations for vice president were closed.
School Leadership Team (SLT) Nominations Jessica Jones addressed the need for new SLT members as some current members, including Maria LaBrutto, would not be returning. Simon Moss was interested in continuing their service as the chairperson. Jessica Jones opened the floor for nominations from individuals not currently on the SLT, explaining the team's role as a "dream team" of parents and staff.