PTA California Congress of Parents Teachers & Students Inc

Overview

The PTA California Congress of Parents Teachers & Students Inc is a nonprofit organization focused on improving educational environments and advocating for children's welfare in California. It is part of the broader National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) network, which operates at the school building, district, state, and national levels. The organization aligns with the mission to speak on behalf of all children and support parents in developing skills beneficial for child welfare.

Mission

The primary mission of the PTA California Congress is to enhance the education and well-being of children by fostering closer relationships between parents, teachers, and students. It aims to influence decision-making processes affecting children's welfare and provide resources and support for parents to contribute effectively to their children's educational journeys.

Financials and Operations

As of 2023, the organization reported a revenue of approximately $3.09 million and expenses of about $3.32 million. Its total assets were valued at $8.5 million, with total liabilities of $326,000. The executive director, Sherry Skelly Griffith, was compensated $189,393 in 2023, while other key positions held no listed compensation[1].

Governance and Leadership

The leadership structure includes key positions such as President (Celia Jaffe), President Elect (Carol Green), Secretary (Jeff Price), Treasurer (Melinda Kirkland), and various vice presidents focusing on communications, conventions, education, health, family engagement, leadership services, and membership services[1]. However, specific board members were not listed as of recent updates[3].

Affiliations and Structure

As a state-level PTA organization, it is affiliated with the National PTA, which offers resources and support to local units. Every member of a local PTA automatically becomes a member of both the state and National PTA[2]. The California Congress plays a crucial role in coordinating local PTAs across the state, advocating for policies beneficial to children and fostering educational environments that support family-school partnerships.

Activities and Programs

While specific local activities are determined by individual PTA units, generally, PTAs in California and elsewhere focus on enhancing educational experiences through programs like arts initiatives, educational workshops, and community support events. These activities are designed to engage parents, teachers, and students in promoting educational excellence and child welfare.

Challenges

Like many PTAs, the organization faces challenges related to declining membership and financial management. Despite these challenges, it remains committed to its mission to support children's education and welfare in California.