WSPTA Resolution on Not Subsidizing Teacher Salaries 

The Washington State PTA's convention is coming up this weekend.  The convention offers numerous training classes, as well as covers the business of the WSPTA.  Please join Seattle Council on Saturday from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. in Cascade rooms 7&8.  There will also be a notice on bulletin board in the main WA PTA conference lobby of how we can get together on Friday for light refreshments, as well. 

On the agenda for this year,  WSPTA is proposing a resolution calling for PTAs not to subsidize classified or certified staff salaries.  Click here to read the resolution.  Bill Williams, Executive Director for the WSPTA, noted in his last newsletter that this resolution is a philosophy, not a rule or regulation.  

The resolution will be voted on Friday during the General Voting Session 2 (6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.).  All voting delegates must be registered and paid for convention and as per standing rules:  an individual may speak no more than 2 minutes or more than twice on the resolution.  Volunteers receive free registration for the day they work. Individuals can work 3 hours on  Friday or Saturday or 1.5 hours on Sunday. 

Seattle Council PTSA positions open for next year

Wanted: Experienced PTA leaders interested in district level issues. As with all PTAs, we elect our officers each year. We have candidates for a few positions but we would love to involve more of you in helping support PTA leaders at the district or council level and making sure family voices are heard in our district. In addition to our elected positions, we are always looking for more representation from different areas of the city. The time demands for a council level position are often much less than at your local PTA. Interested in finding out more? No pressure! Just send the Nominating Committee an email at nominate@seattlecouncilptsa.org and one of us can meet you for coffee to give you some more information

The Seattle City Council voted to put the Families and Education Levy on this year's general election ballot: Families and Education Levy - Council Bill 117103. Click here to read the levy.  The City of Seattle sponsors this levy and determines how the money will be spent.  This is a seven year levy, and will be on the ballot in November.  The levy will raise $231M over seven years.

On May 9, 2011, the SCPTSA will host a panel discussion on the Families and Education Levy and take an endorsement vote during our general meeting. We encourage PTA leaders to take part of the discussion and get more information about the city Levy.

Seattle Public Schools will be hosting another family symposium with workshops to help parents support their student's success in school.  Tentative topics include:  Middle and High School readiness, College Readiness, Special Education Resources, Advanced Learning and more.  

Seattle Council PTSA will be hosting a session, Speak Up for Kids Roundtable!  Bring your issues and questions, and we will brainstorm ways to find a solution. 

Current dues are expected to increase by $0.75.  This reflects a dues increase for both National PTA (it is pending but expected to be passed in June) and Washington State PTA for 2011/2012.  The dues breakdown is as follows:

National PTA dues per member: $2.25

Washington State PTA dues per member: $5.75

Seattle Council PTSA dues per member: $1.50

The total amount of dues per member for 2011/2012 will likely be $9.50. In addition, please remember there is a $5 one-time annual fee per local unit as well. This $5 fee helps send the Outstanding Local Unit to NPTA Convention.

Note to all Membership Chairs: Please remember to include email addresses of your members when enrolling members online. If your local unit gives out a "family plan" for membership dues, please be aware that each enrolled member must pay $9.50. A family of four members is $38 (regardless of age, so students and adults must each pay $9.50).  A family of three members must pay $28.50.