Springfield Council of PTAs Monthly
Volume 3, Issue 1/January 2019
Proposed Resolution -- Supporting the April 2, 2019, Bond Initiative
Whereas, a task force comprised of 31 community members, parents, students and Springfield Public Schools (SPS) educators studied the current condition of SPS schools and evaluated the most critical improvements needed; and
Whereas, a $168 million bond initiative would make possible much needed facility renovations and improvements recommended by the task force that will result in safer and stronger schools for students and staff; and
Whereas, proposed renovation and new construction will allow for additional access to early childhood education; and
Whereas, the previous SPS bond initiative failed with a 51% approval rate and this proposed bond initiative will need a four-sevenths (57.14%) majority to pass (as required by state law); and
Whereas, PTA has historically advocated for school safety and recommends evaluation of access points to the school and surrounding property; and further recommends examining on a regular basis the use, functionality and effectiveness of all locally determined security measures; and
Whereas, PTA has historically advocated for quality child care and preschool programs that are affordable and accessible, coordinated at all levels (federal, state, and local), and ensure quality in teacher training, health, and safety standards; and
Whereas, outmoded facilities and obsolete technology are not conducive to the quantity and quality of teaching and learning with implications for the attainment of educational outcomes expected by the local community in preparing students to be competitive in a global workforce; and
Whereas, there is a well-documented relationship between the quality of a community's public education and the quality of life and economic prosperity of its citizens.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Springfield Council of PTAs supports the bond initiative as a necessary measure to achieve safer learning environments that support 21st century teaching and learning in Springfield Public Schools; and
Be It Further Resolved, that PTA members be encouraged to promote support for the SPS bond initiative between now and April 2nd; and
Be It Further Resolved, that PTA members encourage voter turnout for the April 2 election to all voters in the SPS attendance area.
Rationale:
Currently 77% of SPS schools are over 50 years old and 85% were determined by third party building evaluators to be in fair, unsatisfactory, or poor condition. More than 2 years ago, the district began a process to identify the most pressing school building needs, rank them in order of importance, seek community input, and develop a sweeping master plan.
After several months of study, a community task force of 31 members (parents, students, and SPS educators) studied the current condition of SPS schools and evaluated the most critical improvements needed.
If voters approve the April 2 ballot issue of $168 million, funds would be used for the following projects (to be completed by the end of 2022):
· 31 school entrance improvements
· SW region Early Childhood Center
· Delaware Elementary (new construction on current site)
· Sunshine Elementary (renovation)
· Boyd Elementary (new construction on a new site in the Midtown neighborhood)
· Williams Elementary (renovation)
· Jarrett Middle School (new construction on current Portland site – Portland students will attend renovated Sunshine Elementary)
· Hillcrest High School (renovation)
Bowerman, Delaware, and York will continue to be used as elementary schools.
Schools not identified for significant projects will continue to be maintained through routine maintenance funded by the district's capital projects budget.
https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions/Individual-Position-Statements/Position-Statement-Education-Emphasis
Use this link to pass along the proposed resolution to your unit & school community
A Letter from Your Council President
By Becky Volz
January – we’re halfway there in the school year, but we’re just beginning a brand new year! This year feels like a relay race--one that we're all running together. That’s what PTA is, running this race together, teamwork. Each of us doing our part of creating a tapestry that is YOUR PTA! By now, our kiddos are either settling into kindergarten or ordering their cap and gown. Where did the time go? You will be so glad you were a PTA volunteer and stayed involved with their learning experiences and social development.
You have made a difference. Your voice was heard. You’ve seen major changes in the classroom and learning environments. We have Choice Programs; we have LAUNCH; we have outside classrooms; we have community service opportunities that allow students to serve and that for some will set their life path. When your kindergartner is graduating high school, imagine how much more will have changed and become available to prepare them for life careers and the discovery of their talents to create their future as an adult. I like to say PTA members are like a student’s workout buddy. We encourage their success and support them at times of struggle and find solutions; and most of all we keep saying, “you’ve got this!” So, keep the dance in your step. Our kiddos are watching! They will be PTA someday.
We have some meaty information for you in this newsletter: our yearly and vital fundraiser; our banquet that celebrates our dedicated volunteers; our Missouri PTA convention in our hometown in April; our student and principal winners; reports from our council officers and valuable financial and parliamentarian advice for your unit!
And…for our focused attention--the Proposed Resolution for our members to vote on at our February 6th general meeting regarding the School Bond Proposition S on the April 2nd ballot. Please review this proposed resolution and if you have any questions, you can email me or bring your questions to the meeting in February before we vote.
Unit presidents, please work with your principal to host a meeting at your school to present what this bond is all about and get answers to any questions you have or have heard about. SPS has speakers available, and the Friends of SPS Advocacy Group has presenters, as well. Take advantage of getting accurate information to your school community. We can do this!
Tips from The Treasurer
By Leslie Norman
As we are on the halfway point of our financial year, now is a good time to look at spending thus far versus your budget. We should all be working on a forecasted starting point for next year and starting the budget setting process. I know from experience as treasurer that it is hard to add this on your to-do list for May. So, start now and work on presenting to your PTA prior to the school year ending. By doing this, you will have one less thing to try to fit in over the summer break when everyone is vacationing at different times!
Major Saver Fundraiser 2019 ~ Are You In?!
By Jennifer Penny, VP of Organization & Development
It's that critical time of year again when we need everyone to band together for the yearly fundraiser to support SCPTA! We've teamed up again this year with Major Saver, a company that continues to live up to their promises and go above and beyond for our schools and PTAs. This fundraiser, which is our only to support SCPTA, allows us to continue officer training and School of Information, school and student scholarships and Reflections, legislative representation and perhaps most near and dear to our hearts--our PTA Clothing Bank!
The beauty of this program is that it requires very little time and work for our school staffs, teachers and PTA units. Even so, your school will make money, your unit will make money, your Council will make money, and our students will benefit from all of it in some fashion. And new this year, Major Saver has added a link for students to sell cards online to friends and family!
On top of that, every year Major Saver donates $200 to the Clothing Bank for every school that participates! And hopefully, after the business portion of our February 6th meeting, we might be able to give participating schools' PTA units a direct and added incentive!
Presidents, please get together with your Principal to ask if your school can take part in this vital fundraiser running from March 21-April 2! Principals, thank you in advance for partnering with PTA and Council once again! Please feel free to sign up on the google form below:
Founders Day Banquet -- Make Your Mark on History
Founders Day Banquet ~ Celebrating our 106th Year
Our Founders Day Banquet is an annual opportunity to celebrate our volunteers both past and present. This year’s theme is Make Your Mark on History.
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Banquet starts at 6:30 p.m.
Cost is $16 per person
Monday, Feb 11, 2019, 06:00 PM
Central High School, East Central Street, Springfield, MO, USA
If you haven't yet reserved your tickets, please do so using the google form below:
If your unit has not yet submitted your Volunteer of the Year, please use the google form below:
News from the PTA Clothing Bank
By Allison Lawson, VP of Health & Public Services
Greetings from your PTA Clothing Bank! We are full of steam as we open for the second semester and it's all thanks to you! Thank you for your volunteer time sorting and hanging donations at the Clothing Bank; thank you for your time at your schools as you collected donations and prepared clothing drives; thank you for your time when taking donations to the Clothing Bank or The Wash House and thank you for your generous monetary donations. And because of you, we are now able to give out new socks and underwear a second time to all our qualifying students! I would humbly ask you all to consider participating in the Major Saver fundraiser this year as it directly helps the Clothing Bank!
We would love to work with you on either your school's assigned work day or for that matter any Thursday. Our shopping crowds remain steady with this frigid weather and the chance for students to receive more socks and underwear. We can always use whatever amount of time you have to give. Thank you for keeping us top of mind and in your hearts--together we continue to serve every child as if they were our own!
Congratulations to our 2018-19 Reflections Winners
From the Parliamentarian
Donna Petiford
Frequently Asked Question – The Nominating Committee
Can a member of the nominating committee be considered for an officer position?
Yes. Members of the nominating committee may be considered for office.
When the committee is discussing that individual, the individual should step out of the room.
THE SELECTION OF CANDIDATES
● The nominating committee is assigned the task of finding the best possible candidate to
recommend for each of the offices to be filled. Such recommendations are based on
an objective evaluation of the needs of the PTA.
● The committee should have copies of the bylaws, membership list, a realistic description
of the duties of each office, and a nominating committee procedure guide.
● The committee reviews the bylaws for the offices to be filled, any qualifications to be met
and term limits.
● The list of current officers who have not exceeded their term limits is reviewed. When
the bylaws state that officers may serve more than one term, re-election to a second term of
office is not automatic. Such people may be asked to serve again if their work has been
satisfactory and their skills are not needed elsewhere.
● The committee may accept recommendations from any number of sources, such as from
current officers, members, principal, etc. The committee should be careful not to make any
promises to any potential candidate, but should acknowledge that the recommendations will
simply be considered.
The committee should review all possible candidates for all positions, including new
members. Candidates should be objectively considered based upon their experience,
qualifications, ability to work with others, and sufficient time to do the job. The committee
should not start by asking each other “What office do you want?” They should not select
people due to friendships or to avoid hurt feelings.
● The deliberations of the committee are completely confidential, so committee members
should be able to speak freely regarding their concerns. Members of the committee may be
considered for office, and while that person is being discussed, they should step out of the
room.
● The committee should decide their list of nominees by voting among themselves, and the
use of written ballots is highly recommended.
● The committee should obtain the consent of each potential candidate after the committee
has agreed upon the candidate. When asking someone to accept a nomination do not
downplay the responsibilities of the job. Likewise, do not say “we are having trouble filling this postion”…even if this is true, would you accept the job no one else will take? Instead, remind the potential candidate that the Nominating Committee feels they are the best person for this position.
NO NOMINEES
● If a nominee for an office cannot be found, the committee must continue to function until
a suitable candidate is found or until the election.
● If a candidate withdraws prior to the election, the nominating committee must resume its
search for an appropriate candidate.
● If a person is elected to office and later withdraws, the filling of the office is handled as
listed on the bylaws for any vacancy in office, usually by the officers of the board.
THE REPORT
● The report of the nominating committee lists one (1) candidate for each office, in writing,
and is signed by the members of the committee.
● If a suitable candidate for any office cannot be found, that office should be listed as
“open”. If a suitable candidate is found prior to the election, a revised report is issued.
● The bylaws specify if the report is to be published before the election or if it's presented
at the time of the election.
● At the time of the election, additional nominations may be made from the floor.
Please Make Every Effort to Attend Our Next SCPTA General Meeting
Our meeting will be in the WOLF classrooms at the John A. & Genny Morris Conservation Education Center at 600 W. Sunshine. WOLF is a partnership with the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Bass Pro Shops.