A powerful voice for all children A relevant resource for families and communities

A strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child

The Ohio PTA Voice

Page 1
Table of Contents:

Note from the President...

Pg. 1 - Note from the President

Greetings Family,

Pg. 3 - Family Engagement

I hope all of you have been keeping warm and safe.

Pg. 4 - Frequently Asked

Questions
Pg. 7 - Council Activities
Pg. 8 - Irish American Heritage
Pg. 9 - Inspirations in Education
Pg. 10 - Bylaws Amendments
Pg. 11 - Membership Madness
Pg. 13 - Advocacy News
Pg. 16 - Board of Directors

March 2016

As your President, I feel very privileged to be able to attend events on your

behalf. On January 21, 2016, I had the honor to attend Attorney General,
Mike DeWines program called Ideas That Work, Fighting the Drug
Epidemic in Ohio. The event was held at Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist
Church in Columbus, Ohio. A total of 800 police officers, firefighters,
coroners, and some school officials were present. Mike DeWine
commented that he held the event at a church to signify that it takes a
community of parents, churches, schools and emergency personnel to
overcome the drug epidemic in Ohio. This emergency meeting was
organized in three and a half weeks. Attorney General DeWine presented
statistics that in 2014, 2,482 individuals had died in Ohio from unintentional
drug overdoses. This was a 17 percent increase over 2013. Mothers who
lost children due to overdose are the leaders of the grassroots effort.
There were 7 panels of experts . Their topics were the following:
1. Naloxone (an antidote for unintentional overdoses)
2. Addiction in Jails - Addressing detox
3. BCI Crime Scene Training
4. Task Force Update
5. Wraparound Services
6. Effective Use of Online Tools
7. Community Solutions

Ohio PTA
40 Northwoods Blvd Ste A
Columbus, OH 43235-4718
(614) 781-6344
Fax: (614) 781-6349
office@ohiopta.org

Sarah Smith, Director of Start Talking, whose mission is to build a drugfree future, was present. She provided 10 tips to start talking to your
children about drugs. They were the following:
1. Talk frequently
2. Show interest
3. Be careful what you say
4. Be careful how you say it
5. Know the facts about drugs/alcohol/tobacco
6. Be respectful and genuine
7. They talk, you listen
8. Scare tactics dont work
9. Control your emotions
10. Take advantage of teachable moments
Continued...

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The Ohio PTA Voice

March 2016

The Family of Addicts, a non-profit organization, had a presence at the

conference. The Director of Advocacy, Valerie Brod was present. Her
message was that parents and communities need to pay attention to
children. If children are struggling in school, have no friends, and have
problems at home, they need counseling. These children need more
attachment back to the community and need more education about drugs.
The message that went straight to my heart was the sheriff from Lorain
County. He spoke about pregnant women that were addicts while serving
time in jail. In 2014, Lorain County had 5 pregnant women in their jail but in
2015, there were 26 pregnant women in their jail. The thought that went to
my head was how do we as a PTA make these unborn childrens potential a
reality?
The conclusion was from Mike DeWine, Ohios Attorney General. His
message for the day was that arresting addicts does not work. To end this
epidemic in Ohio, there must be community action and services provided to
addicts and their families.
You can do your part - Start Talking to all of your kids today. Take care of
the children in your community. They just might need to know that someone
cares.
Sheila
Ohio PTA President 2015-2017
P.S.- I hope to see all of my family at the Ohio PTA Convention on
April 8-10th!!!!!!!!!

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The Ohio PTA Voice

March 2016

What is Your Schools Policy to Promote Family Engagement?

The State Board of Education of Ohio recognizes parents and
families as childrens first and most important teachers. When parents enroll
their children in school, from preschool through high school, the
responsibility of education and care is shared with the school and the
community. Partnerships among families, schools and communities that are
child-centered and family-strengthening can engage, guide and motivate
students to be productive citizens in a global society (http://
education.ohio.gov). PTA is a key partner for continuous school
improvement. Ohio PTA promotes family engagement through activities that
highlight the National Standards for Family-School Partnership. These
include welcoming all families, communicating consistently and effectively
between family and school, supporting student success, empowering
families to speak up for every child, sharing power in decisions that affect
children and collaborating with community members to expand learning
opportunities, community services and civic participation (http://
www.pta.org).
A model parent and family involvement policy established by the
State Board of Education has been in existence for several years. Local
school boards are encouraged to incorporate the recommendations
included in this policy, which serve to enhance existing parent involvement
policy requirements stated in recent legislation. PTAs can look at their
school policy and provide feedback to their schools on how local practices
and programs are doing with regard to family engagement. When families
and schools work together for students, everyone wins. To view the State of
Ohio Parent Involvement policy, go to http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/
Other-Resources/Family-and-Community-Engagement/Getting-ParentsInvolved/Parent-and-Family-Involvement-Policy-Provides-Guid.
Pam Bonnett
Director of Family-School Partnership
Email: fsp@ohiopta.org

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March 2016

The Ohio PTA Voice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How should I answer the question Whats the difference

between PTA and another parent group?
A. PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America
comprised of 22,000 schools and four million families. As part of this
nationwide network, parents have a voice in decisions that impact their
children, not only in their individual schools, but also at the district,
state and national levels. This mission is unique to PTA. Other parent
groups work on behalf of children within their school yard, but have no
organized way to impact decisions beyond the fence.
The differences between PTAs and other parent groups are many, but
we have one similarity. All parent-school groups form to support
childrens education. We commend all of the caring adults who join a
parent group to support student learning and develop positive
partnerships with their schools officials. PTA believes, however, that
the issues that affect our children today extend beyond their individual
schools.
Many of the benefits our children receive today, such as universal
kindergarten, the National School Lunch Program and a juvenile justice
system, were accomplished as a result of PTAs advocacy; a parent
group working alone would likely not be able to impact issues like
these.
Q. What sets PTA apart from other parent groups?
A. PTA is a thriving child advocacy association. Our four million
members form a nationwide network of families united in their
commitment to improving the education, health, and safety of all
children. We speak with one voice for every child.
PTA is more connected, dedicated, and advocacy-minded than ever
before. We do not limit ourselves to bake sales; we strive for
meaningful policy changes and educational improvements. The results
of our mission benefit all children nationwide, even those who do not
attend a PTA school. PTAs working to bring healthy options to their
school cafeterias band together to help influence the national nutrition
standards for school breakfasts and lunches. PTAs worried about school
safety pool their ideas and take their shared concerns to the school
board to secure systemic improvements. And PTAs facing school budget
cuts rally to preserve state and federal appropriations for education.
Continued...

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March 2016

Moreover, PTAs have access to several benefits, including dozens of

national programs, experts, and turnkey resources. PTAs also are
provided regular updates and advice in the form of e-newsletters, eblasts, social media, PTA.org, Our Children magazine, a robust back-toschool kit of resources, webinars and e-learning courses.
Additionally, PTAs are eligible for prestigious national awards and
millions of dollars in grants to help build their capacity and skills and
make a difference in their school community. Partners and sponsors,
like LifeLock, Lifetouch, Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation and
Amazon Kindle, make their benefits and cost savings available to PTAs
nationwide as well.
All members are invited to participate in PTA conventions (national and
state) as well as our legislative conferences. Administrative factors also
set PTA apart from other parent groups. PTA offers a national and state
infrastructure with staff to assist PTAs in securing nonprofit status, filing
government paperwork, creating bylaws, purchasing low-cost insurance
and training leaders. These support services are available at no
additional cost after membership.
Q. Some parents just want to help their child at school, so why
should they form a PTA at their school?
A. Many of the decisions that impact childrens education are not made
by educators at their schools. These decisions frequently come from
district or state officials. PTA gives parents a united and powerful voice,
a seat at the table where decisions are made, and the tools to influence.
Below are two illustrations of Ohio PTAs mission in action.
Ohio PTA was instrumental in obtaining legislation which mandated
that school districts develop policies for parent involvement in the
schools.
Ohio PTA advocated for the implementation of and education
of parents and community members about Common Core Standards.
Continued...

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The Ohio PTA Voice

March 2016

Q. What is the best way to present The PTA Advantage online

and through PTA communications?
A. National PTA has four preferences for communicating about The PTA
Advantage.
1. Avoid using the PTO acronym as if it were a brand name. We prefer
for you to use unaffiliated parent groups as a generic category.
2. Focus more on the difference in mission between PTA and unaffiliated
parent groups.
3. Focus less on the convenience and administrative benefits of PTA
membership. While practical considerations, these attributes are not as
inspiring as our mission.
4. Avoid comparison charts. We recommend that you review and revise
your website and membership materials as soon as possible to reflect
this guidance.
Q. Can other parent groups use the PTA name? What about
companies that use the name in their marketing or promotions?
A. Groups cannot use the PTA name without our prior written approval.
PTA has become a part of American vocabulary, in the same way that
people might call any soft drink Coke or any facial tissue Kleenex.
Like these brands, PTA is protected with a number of federal trademarks
and has been so for more than 100 years. Companies cannot use the
PTA name in any manner that claims or could reasonably be inferred to
suggest a relationship that does not exist. Companies may, however,
reference PTA in statements of fact; for example, Company X can state
that it offers services to PTAs.
Q. What should I do if I see other people and groups using the
PTA name?
A. If you see the PTA name used in an inappropriate way or have related
questions, please contact LaWanda Toney, National PTA Director of
Strategic Communications, at ltoney@pta.org or (703) 518-1242. Please
attach a screen shot or link to the PTA name in use.
Venezuela Robinson
Director of Communications
communications@ohiopta.org

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March 2016

Council Activities
Effective councils strengthen their local PTA units, promote membership,
develop future leaders, and serve their school districts. How do they
accomplish these goals?
Councils Strengthen Local Units

By structuring their meetings to allow time for units to discuss programs,

compare methods, and exchange ideas
By presenting best practices for nominating, writing bylaws and
complying with the Ohio PTA Standards of Affiliation
By developing a council wide calendar to coordinate unit meeting dates
and activities

Councils Develop Future Leaders

By informing units of new e-learning courses from National and Ohio

PTA
By hosting an Ohio PTA workshop
By encouraging attendance at Ohio PTA events such as District
Conference, Leadership Training, and Convention

Councils Promote Membership

By designating a membership chair to help with Ohio PTA Bronze Award

applications
By working with unit chairs to design great campaigns
By sponsoring a membership increase competition

Councils Serve their Schools and Communities

By building a relationship with school district officials and functioning as

an ongoing two way communications channel
By providing a forum for educating parents on issues such as new
student assessments, school closings, or levies
By developing coalitions with other groups to meet community needs
such as fostering drug awareness or improving traffic safety
By increasing family engagement through PTA programs such as Fuel
Up and Play 60, Take Your Family to School Week and the Family
Reading Experience

Councils Build Traditions/Pride

By holding a Founders Day celebration

By coordinating the Reflections program, teacher grant funds, and
scholarship programs
By leading service projects such as Stuff the Bus
By promoting advocacy through school board candidates nights,
updating members on legislative issues, and serving on school district
committees

Share your councils successful ideas and programs with us. Contact
communications@ohiopta.org.

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The Ohio PTA Voice

March 2016

Irish-American Heritage Month

March has been designated Irish-American Heritage Month and that seems to
be quite appropriate since St. Patricks Day is March 17. But what is St.
Patricks Day? March 17 is the Catholic feast day of Irelands patron saint,
the cleric Patrick (386-461). It is also a public holiday in the Republic of
Ireland, the Ulster province of Northern Ireland, the UK and two Canadian
provinces. In the US, many larger cities celebrate by hosting a St. Patricks
Day parade. Many of us are aware of St. Patricks Day parades, eating
corned beef and cabbage or celebrations that boast green-colored beverages,
but there are other traditions that are connected to Irish-American Heritage
Month. In Chicago the river runs green and during President Obamas term,
the White House fountain on the South Lawn has been dyed green in honor
of St. Patricks Day. President Obama is one of nineteen US Presidents who
have claimed Irish heritage. There is also a ceremony, referred to as the
Shamrock Ceremony, which takes place at the White House. Every year, on
March 17, the Taoiseach (the title of Irelands prime minister) travels to the
White House with a bowl of shamrocks that is presented to the President.
This tradition has been carried out for over 60 years!
The tradition began in 1952, when John Hearne, the Irish Ambassador sent a
box of shamrocks to President Truman. Over the years the ceremony was
used to highlight political issues, including the Northern Ireland peace
process during President Clintons term which resulted in the Good Friday
Accord of April 10, 1998 (which called for Protestants to share political
power with the minority Catholics, and gave the Republic of Ireland a voice
in Northern Irish affairs). Since the mid 90s the event has become quite
large and has included some of the best Irish musicians and entertainers.
St. Patricks Day may just be one of the worlds most celebrated holidays.
There are city-sponsored events to celebrate the holiday in Japan, Australia,
Canada, Malaysia, Great Britain and the US, as well as in Ireland (of course).
The largest parades are held in Dublin, New York City, Montreal and
Boston. The Irish have migrated all over the world with over 4.5 million
coming to the United States. The first celebration of St. Patricks Day in the
US was in Boston in 1737. The first in New York City was held at the Crown
and Thistle Tavern in 1756.
Many of Irish heritage fought during the Revolutionary War, there were
several Irish brigades in the Civil War and at least 8 of the 56 signers of the
Declaration of Independence were Irish. Today, over 30 million Americans
are of Irish descent. Perhaps in no other nation is the Irish immigrant
presence felt as keenly as here, where an ethnic and religious holiday has
expanded to embrace all Americans. After all, it
seems, on St. Patricks Day, just about everyone in
the US is a little bit Irish.
Jeanne Groetz-Shockling
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
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March 2016

Inspirations in Education
Are you ready for our Ohio PTA Family Reunion taking place April 8-10 in
Columbus?! In honor of those who will be participating in the workshops,
networking, and information sharing sessions, this months Inspirations in
Education are Convention attendees! Why? Because those of us who are able
to journey to the states capital to become better advocates for all children
across Ohio keep public education a viable choice for EVERY Child!
PTA leaders attend Convention not to waste unit dollars on a few, but to learn
about the various tools and resources for PTA members and bring them back
to strengthen local advocacy efforts on behalf of children. Everyone knows
that PTAs are not just fundraising machines to entitle their own students to fun
parties, but dedicated community leaders that utilize all available resources to
build better public school districts for all students!
Hope to see all of you fabulous Inspirations in Education at the Ohio PTA
Convention in April!
The Education Committee is always looking for more members. Call or email
the Ohio PTA office or email education@ohiopta.org to join.
Tip of the Month: Did you know that ESSA was just reauthorized by
Congress? What is ESSA? Well, it stands for Every Student Succeeds Act and
it updates the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. When it was
last revised, it was called No Child Left Behind. Part of the challenge to states
is creating school accountability systems. This means PARENTS,
TEACHERS, and other stakeholders will be given the opportunity to help
shape Ohios plan. Arm yourself with information about ESSA on the Ohio
Department of Educations website. http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/EveryStudent-Succeeds-Act-ESSA
Jackie Arendt
Director of Education

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March 2016

Proposed Ohio PTA Bylaws Amendments

A number of amendments to the Ohio PTA Bylaws will be presented for
member approval at the Ohio PTA Convention, April 8-10. This is your
opportunity to speak up - only Convention attendees can vote on these
amendments. Most of these amendments update the bylaws to include and
clarify the National and Ohio PTA Standards of Affiliation.
There are two amendments that more directly affect units and require a more
detailed understanding of the reasons for their proposal.
Ohio PTA Dues Increase
Article V, Section 4.
Strike $1.75 and replace with $2.50 to read:
The Ohio PTA portion of each members dues shall be $2.50.
Why is the Ohio PTA Board of Directors recommending a dues increase?
It has been 10 years since members voted to increase the Ohio portion of
PTA dues and in that time, the cost of living has risen by 55% according the
U.S. government. Increased costs in combination with declining membership
has made it difficult to provide the services our units need and want and also
to fulfill our mission of advocating for all children in Ohio. An increase in
dues would allow us to continue conducting leadership training conferences
and workshops at the state, district and local levels and offering assistance to
units and councils through our field service team of district advisors. We
would like to extend our membership outreach to more rural and urban areas
and develop new programs that educate members on building a diverse and
inclusive PTA, family engagement practices, government reporting requirements and advocating for children and families.
Ohio PTA Scholarships
Article VII, Section 2a
Strike in a school district which has at least one or more and replace with
which is and strike units and replace with unit to read:
Ohio PTA General Scholarship: The recipient of the scholarship must be a
student graduating from a public high school which is a PTA/PTSA unit in
good standing with Ohio PTA: and.
Why is the Ohio PTA Board of Directors recommending this change?
We believe that Ohio PTA scholarships, which are funded by PTA member
contributions, should be given to students in schools that support our mission
through PTA membership and service.
All proposed amendments can be found at ohiopta.org under the Events tab.

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The Ohio PTA Voice

March 2016

MARCH
MEMBERSHIP
MADNESS
When we think of March Madness, we think of the college basketball teams
competing to move forward in their divisions. We all wait to see which teams will
fill the brackets each day and advance to the Final Four. I challenge you to think of
Membership in the same way. Perhaps you have met your goal of a 5% increase or
more; perhaps you are still working on it. Everyone has an equal chance of fighting
for a spot in the PTA Final Four. This month, we would like to present another
unit Membership Challenge! Turn in 16 more members in the month of March
and be entered into a drawing to win a cash prize for your unit to be announced
at Convention! Why 16 you ask? The tournament starts with the Sweet
Sixteen teams and so we will have a goal of 16 Sweet New Members per unit!
You will receive one entry for every 16 new members. Turn in 32 members, get
two entries, 48 members gets you three entries, etc. Invite people to be a part of
your Sweet Sixteen and help your unit and Ohio PTA achieve the
championship. The prizes for our Final Four will be $100, $50, and two $25
prizes! We set a goal for this year of 70,000 members and we are at just about
85% of that goal!
Spring is also a time when we get ready for warmer weather and brighter
days. It is a time of rejuvenations and new beginnings. We should think of our PTA
Membership campaigns in the same way. Utilize this time of year to begin planning
for the next school year. Who will be a part of your Membership Committee? What
families will be moving on to another building or into yours? What will be your
goals and incentives? It is so important to remember that membership is a year-long
event and planning ahead can make the work of the committee for next year that
much easier. This is the time to drum up some fresh ideas for next year but also to
engage parents to ask them why they have not yet joined your unit this year.
Remember to make it personal and place a phone call or talk to people at a school or
PTA event. Send a newsletter to highlight what events your unit has already provided
this year as well as dates of upcoming events. Many units choose to use each event
as a chance to gain new members. The event may be at no cost for those that are
already members and at the price of a membership for others. When people come to
the event willing to pay and find out they not only get admission but also a PTA
membership, it really makes it worth their while. It is a great way to reach potential
members who may not have been aware of what kind of programs the PTA supports.
Thank you to everyone who has been able to join a Membership Committee
Conference Call this year! Our next call will take place Monday, March 14 at 7:30
p.m. Also, please check out the Membership Blog at ohiopta.blogspot.com! Thank
you to our Director of Communications, Venezuela Robinson for creating the blog!
Happy Spring!
Angela Revay
Director of Membership
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March 2016

Nominating Committee / Elections Check

Can your unit or council check off the above items? If so, you should
send the names, addresses, and EMAIL addresses of the elected
2016-2017 PTA (PTSA) officers to the Ohio PTA office NOW.
office@ohiopta.org
If you cant check off those items, is it because your election of
officers will occur this month or in April or May? Check your bylaws
to determine when your election of officers should be held this
school year.
The nominating process and an election are requirements of
every PTA including Ohio PTA and National PTA.
Invite Ohio PTA to your school district to present workshops about
nominating/elections, parliamentary procedures, financial reviews,
membership recruitment, bylaws, social media, etc. Units/councils
can utilize this FREE training at any time. We have resources
online that can assist you, too. http://www.ohiopta.org/
PTARESOURCESRunningYourPTA.aspx
Do you have questions or concerns? Feel free to email or call the
Ohio PTA office.
Venezuela Robinson
Nominating Committee Chairperson

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March 2016

Advocacy News
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
"With this bill, we reaffirm that fundamentally American idealthat every
child, regardless of race, income, background, the zip code where they live,
deserves the chance to make of their lives what they will."
President Barack Obama
On December 10, 2015, President Obama signed the Every Student
Succeeds Act (ESSA). This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nations national
education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all
students.
ESSA highlights:
Holding all students to high academic standards that prepare them for

success in college and careers.

Ensuring accountability by guaranteeing that when students fall behind,

states redirect resources into what works to help them and their schools
improve, with a particular focus on the very lowest-performing schools,
high schools with high dropout rates, and schools with achievement
gaps.
Empowering state and local decision-makers to develop their own strong
systems for school improvement based upon evidence, rather than
imposing cookie-cutter federal solutions like the No Child Left Behind Act
did.
Reducing the often onerous burden of testing on students and teachers,
making sure that tests dont crowd out teaching and learning, without
sacrificing clear, annual information parents and educators need to make
sure our children are learning.
Providing more children access to high-quality preschool.
Establishing new resources for proven strategies that will spur reform
and drive opportunity and better outcomes for Americas students.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into law
in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who believed that "full
educational opportunity" should be "our first national goal." From its
inception, ESEA was a civil rights law.
In recognition of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)s
legacy as a civil rights law, the bipartisan bill upholds critical protections for
Americas disadvantaged students. It ensures that states and school districts
will hold schools to account for the progress of all students and prescribes
meaningful reforms to remedy underperformance in those schools failing to
serve all students. It excludes harmful portability provisions that would
siphon funds away from the students and schools most in need, and
maintains dedicated resources and supports for Americas vulnerable children
including students with disabilities, English Learners, Native American
students, homeless children, neglected and delinquent children, and migrant
and seasonal farmworker children.

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March 2016

ESSA also ensures that states and districts continue the work theyve begun
this year to ensure that all students including students from low-income
families and students of color have equitable access to excellent
educators.
The Ohio Department of Education has begun preparing for implementation
of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in the 2017-2018 school
year. Successfully implementing ESSA will require months of planning and
input from key stakeholders, including district superintendents. The
department is working on an implementation time line and has begun meeting
with superintendents. In the meantime, you can begin sharing your ideas and
questions at essa@education.ohio.gov. Users of the department's website
also can sign up to receive information on ESSA as it becomes available. For
more information on ESSA, go to www.education.ohio.gov,
www.whitehouse.gov, www.ed.gov, www.aft.org, www.learningfirst.org,
www.pta.org.
2016 Budget Bill
In December, President Obama signed into law a spending bill for fiscal year
2016 that would appropriate $1.067 trillion for the next ten months. The
spending bill increases funding for the U.S. Department of Education by $1.2
billion dollars along with a $500 million increase to Title I, $415 million
increase to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a $570
million increase to the Head Start program.
State Legislative Updates
The House Education Committee opened hearings on HB 420, sponsored by
Rep. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson). This legislation would prohibit the Ohio
Department of Education (ODE) from including students who opt out of state
assessments in calculations of certain grades in the state report card. The
committee heard both sponsor and proponent testimony on the bill. A
substitute version of the bill was accepted that includes the following
provisions that would:
Require ODE to issue two sets of scores for the 2014-2015 school year, one
including opt outs and one without opt outs
Provide penalties for teachers who encourage parents to opt their children
out of state exams (one-year license suspension and possible misdemeanor
criminal charge for discussing opt-out as an option).
The House Education Committee also heard sponsor testimony on HB 410,
with Reps. Jeffrey Rezabek (R-Clayton) and Bill Hayes (R-Harrison
Township). HB 410 seeks to address habitual and chronic truancy and
compulsory school attendance by promoting interventions over suspensions.
A companion bill is being developed in the Senate.
HB 212 is pending in the House Education Committee. Sponsor testimony
was presented in November 2015 by Rep. Andrew Thompson (R-Marietta).
This legislation proposes to repeal the current academic content standards as
well as the current teacher evaluation system. HB 212 also would make
changes to the statewide assessment system.

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March 2016

SB 247 was introduced in 2015 by Senators Edna Brown (D-Toledo) and

Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering). This bipartisan bill would require school
districts to allow alternative summer meal sponsors to use school facilities to
provide food service for summer intervention services under certain
conditions. This bill is pending in the Senate Finance Committee.
SB 230 was introduced in 2015 by Sentaor Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman).
This bill address Youngstown community and Youngstown City Schools
concerns with House Bill (HB) 70 and seeks broader community input and
reporting of proposed actions of the academic distress commission and
addresses time lines, expectations and reporting requirements. This bill is
pending in the Senate Finance Committee.
Highlights of the bill include:
Involves the community in the CEOs district improvement plan
Adjusts academic expectations, clearly defines performance standards

and delays CEO actions by one year to allow for adjustment time
Embraces the original intent of HB 70 for community learning centers
Ensures transparency and accountability with the CEO and district

improvement plans
Supports educators and staff

In other news in Ohio

Dr. Lonny J. Rivera became Ohios interim superintendent of public
instruction on Jan. 1, 2016. Dr. Rivera replaced Richard Ross, who retired at
the end of 2015.
State Representative Andy Brenner (R-Powell) was appointed on 10/22/15
to serve as chair of the House Education Committee.
Join Us! The Advocacy Committee is always looking for more members! If
you are a unit or council president or advocacy/legislative chair, make sure
your name is on the Advocacy listserv also! To learn more about PTA
advocacy or to join the advocacy committee, contact the Ohio PTA office at
614.781.6344 or email advocacy@ohiopta.

Advertising in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by Ohio PTA

The Ohio PTA Voice

Page 16

March 2016

Your PTA Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE BOARD

DIRECTORS

President
Sheila Ragland
614-351-8083
president@ohiopta.org
President-elect
Susan Hans
440-243-8776

Advocacy
Tandra Rutledge
216-860-4575
advocacy@ohiopta.org

Diversity
Jeanne GroetzShockling
330-313-1544
diversity@ohiopta.org

FSP
Pam Bonnett
440-781-2927
fsp@ohiopta.org

Bylaws & SRules

Cindy Schanz
330 329-6335
bylawsandstandingrules@ohiopta.org

Education
Jackie Arendt
440-230-1567
education@ohiopta.org

HWS
Lisa Catalano
440-498-9545
hws@ohiopta.org

Communications
Venezuela Robinson
440-786-9855
communications@ohiopta.org

Events
Linda Read
330-923-7248
events@ohiopta.org

Membership
Angela Revay
216-328-9668
membership@ohiopta.org

District 3
Lois Monroe
937-653-8741
da3@ohiopta.org

District 11
Debbie Tidwell
440-779-7141
da11@ohiopta.org

District 17
Carol Beasley
216-383-1963
da17@ohiopta.org

District 7
Dana Paul
440-843-6951
da7@ohiopta.org

District 12
Maria Lang
440-289-9696
da12@ohiopta.org

District 18
Shannon Weber
440-781-0036
da18@ohiopta.org

District 10
Terry Hickey
614-870-9570
da10@ohiopta.org

District 13
Rebecca Gawsyszawski
440-315-9097
da13@ohiopta.org

OFFICE
Sue Owen
office@ohiopta.org
Jeri Gookin
jerigcr@sbcglobal.net

presidentelect@ohiopta.org
VP Leadership-Interim
Venezuela Robinson
440-786-9855
vpleadership@ohiopta.org
VP Field Service
Lisa Weaver
330-825-8252
vpfieldservice@ohiopta.org
Secretary/Treasurer
Suzie Smith-Rios
614-878-3596
Sec-treasurer@ohiopta.org

Immediate Past President

Lisa Mack
216-691-2990
pastpresident@ohiopta.org

DISTRICT ADVISORS

Vacant Advisor Positions: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 19.

If anyone is interested in serving on the Ohio PTA Board of Directors, contact Venezuela Robinson at communications@ohiopta.org. Job descriptions and an application are posted on the Ohio PTA website.
Advertising in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by Ohio PTA