TO OUR MEMBERSHIP

ANNUAL REPORT

August 1, 2019 –

June 30, 2020

Maryland Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Email: info@mdpta.org Phone: 410-760-6221

Website: mdpta.org Address: 5 Central Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21061

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Greetings, Maryland PTA constituent:

To say the least, July 2019 through June 2020 was a challenging year. Maryland PTA

experienced several changes. Then, the health crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic

created additional fear and frustration, which brought increased awareness, more

change, and unprecedented action.

Being fully transparent, Maryland PTA was faced with some challenging issues at the

beginning of this administration. At the 2019 Maryland State Convention and under

the watchful eye of the National PTA president, delegates approved new Bylaws

amidst much controversy. These new bylaws have caused confusion and

complications during this pandemic crisis -- something none of us would have ever

expected to face. As I give you a snapshot of issues encountered during the first

year of this administration, this annual report will provide the annual audit result,

financial statements, and information on membership, advocacy, leadership, and

training from the Officers.

The elected leadership came into the MDPTA Office for the first time to find the office

had been vandalized, records shredded, and the side entrance off the hinges and

insecure. The locksmith had to repair the locks and secure the building. On day

two, the roof was leaking into the main office and records room; an HVAC repairman

had to service the AC units on the roof. Then on Friday, August 2, 2019, I was

informed by our Bookkeeper that Maryland PTA had a bank balance of -$68.16 —

yes, minus 68.16! That explained why the Delegates could not get an accurate

Budget Report from the Treasurer at the 2019 Maryland State Convention.

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We were then informed that the previous President cashed a $95,000.00 Certificate of

Deposit that was earmarked for building emergencies and improvements, without

Board of Directors approval only 4 days before the 2019 MD State Convention. At the

post-Convention Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved filing a bond claim

to recover the losses to Maryland PTA. This decision spooked two of the elected

officers, and they resigned within the first weeks of this new administration. Because

of decisions the Board of Directors made to protect the organization, the officers in

the minority, a couple County PTA leaders, and units mostly in one area of the State,

filed grievances and complaints with National PTA.

The Board appointed a Treasurer and Secretary from Montgomery County.

Unfortunately, their transition onto the State Board did not go well, mostly because of

the difference in operations at the State level. Additionally, because of how the last

administration left things, the Board was holding everyone accountable. A number of

directors resigned in solidarity with those who were being held accountable for not

performing in accordance with the Bylaws. Despite the attempt at disruption, as

evidenced in this Annual Report, Maryland PTA continues to fulfill the PTA mission on

behalf of all children.

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The coronavirus brought a new level of mayhem to the nation, along with Maryland

PTA. The Bylaws approved by Convention delegates states in Article VI, Section 5,

“The Bylaws of each constituent association shall prohibit voting by proxy, mail

(including by electronic transmission) or absentee.” {Emphasis added.} According to

Robert’s Rules of Order, bylaws can only be changed by the delegates at a stated

convention. Yet, constituents want the Maryland PTA Board of Directors to relax the

Bylaws and go against Maryland law. Maryland PTA provided guidance to the local

units through three advisories to assist with continuity of operations during the

pandemic. We continue to refer you to those advisories.

We have continuously transmitted critical information to our membership in a timely

manner through our electronic communications and/or Constant Contact. We

shared information regarding the State’s planning for reopening schools, benefits for

children and families enacted under the CARES Act, and distributed food baskets and

grocery gift cards to families affected by the pandemic, and advocated for the

override of Governor Hogan’s veto of the Blueprint implementation. We also

obtained a forgivable PPP loan to ensure our employees would not be laid off during

the statewide shutdown.

Maryland PTA through it all has now been able to achieve financial stability through

the hard work, a realignment of officers, forward-thinking, and strategic

accountability for our organization. I commend the staff who have worked diligently

to maintain daily operations and respond to constituent associations and partners in

a timely manner.

Would you have taken on this challenge knowing the previous administration left

Maryland PTA insolvent and with inflexible governing rules? I commend those who

have diligently worked to accomplish the PTA mission, preserve Maryland PTA, and

served the children of Maryland during these difficult and unprecedented times.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Statement of Financial Position

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Statement of Comprehensive Income (Profits and Losses)

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Auditor’s Report

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PRESIDENT ELECT The primary responsibilities of the President Elect are to assist the President and oversee

Maryland PTA committees in preparation for ascending to the presidency. Due to the

enactment of a new State law and the resignation of a number of Maryland PTA directors, the

President Elect was tasked with numerous duties.

The President Elect chaired a special committee tasked with the responsibility of recruiting

and recommending the first parent to serve as a member of the State Board of Education.

Maryland PTA became the second Congress in the nation to evaluate a parent advocate to

serve in such a position. Maryland PTA ultimately recommended three names from which the

Governor made the appointment.

The President Elect is working on the Maryland PTA strategic plan. Once completed, the

strategic plan will establish a 5-year vision for the Congress to ensure its continued growth,

safeguard its 105-year history, and preserve our long-standing reputation within the State.

ADVOCACY The members of the Advocacy Committee have worked hard work and tirelessly with the

Maryland PTA Board of Directors researching issues, drafting comment letters, and drafting

the newly revised Maryland PTA Advocacy Guide, 2020-2021. Special appreciation goes to

Committee Members:

Kia Coleman, Montgomery County Meara Hartzer, Howard County

Aimee Freeman, Baltimore County Laura Stewart, Montgomery County

Donna Sudbrook, Howard County Tonya Tiffany, Howard County

Taisha Winters-Ragland, Prince George’s County Matta Zenali, Howard County

The 2020 Legislative Agenda for the 2020 legislative session focused on:

1. Investment in education

2. Strong academic standards

3. School construction and healthy educational environments

4. Safe schools and violence prevention

5. Public health and child nutrition

6. Juvenile justice and delinquency prevention

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7. Immigration services and support

Maryland PTA joined the Coalition for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which would

implement recommendations from the Kirwan Commission to improve public education. We

supported community forums statewide to inform residents about the Kirwan Commission’s

work in preparation for the legislative session. PTA members from around the State also

participated in a rally, and Dr. Battle and the Vice President for Advocacy testified at a

Commission hearing and a joint legislative hearing in support of the Blueprint legislation.

Comcast Cable sponsored the 2020 Legislative Night, at which State Senate

President Bill Ferguson, Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones, and several

Maryland legislators fellowshipped, mingled, and discussed legislative priorities

with members.

Even though the COVID-19 emergency shortened the legislative session, Maryland PTA

advocacy contributed to the General Assembly passing a number of laws in support of

children, including:

The implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future

The Built to Learn Act of 2020

The requirement for the Maryland State Department of Education to issue Guidelines

on Trauma-Informed Approach

Improvements to Public Schools Student Meal Programs and Policies

Authority for County Boards of Education to Establish Regional Career and Technical

Education Schools

Provisions for Shelter and Supportive Services for Unaccompanied Minors in Need

Public Safety requirements for Sales, Rentals, and Transfers of Rifles and Shotguns

The establishment of a Court Dog and Child Witness Program

In light of the revenue losses associated with the pandemic, Governor Hogan vetoed the

Blueprint implementation and supporting revenue legislation. The veto also placed the Built

to Learn Act and prior Kirwan legislation in jeopardy. In response to the veto, Maryland PTA

published an opinion editorial in the Washington Post. Additionally, Maryland PTA continues

its work with the Coalition for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to advocate for the General

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Assembly to override the vetoes and continue the plan to improve our public education

system.

Maryland PTA joined the Coalition to Reform School Discipline, which works to make

discipline practices in Maryland schools fair, appropriate, equitable, and designed to keep

youth in school and on track to graduate. We hosted a webinar, “School Discipline & the

Juvenile Justice System,” to educate parents and practitioners on Maryland law related to

student behavior and discipline.

A pandemic did not slow Maryland PTA’s advocacy. Even though the coronavirus closed

schools, the advocacy team worked to ensure children were supported during distance

learning, addressed in federal legislation, and received the resourced necessary to improve

their lives and education. During the initial phases of the pandemic, parents statewide

advocated to ensure our most vulnerable students and families received school meals and

school work packets delivered to their communities.

At the State level, Maryland PTA galvanized our coalitions to advocate at and work with the

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). We sent letters to MSDE and the

Maryland Department of Health encouraging the State to acquire additional funds from the

U.S. Department of Agriculture for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)

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program. The P-EBT extension to the SNAP program provided thousands of families the

ability to buy groceries during the COVID-19 closure.

MSDE also invited Maryland PTA to participate in a stakeholder advisory group to review its

school reopening guidelines. With the help of members statewide, Maryland PTA was able to

demonstrate to MSDE that its plan was not sufficient to address the operational needs of local

school systems to reopen schools safely. When it became clear that MSDE would leave the

reopening decision to local school systems, Maryland PTA partnered with the Maryland State

Education Association and the Baltimore Teachers Union to inform Marylanders that public

school educators were concerned about reopening schools and the elevated risks involved

with sending students back to school.

Maryland PTA raised its voice again to let Governor Hogan and the Board of Public Works

know cutting $309 million from education during the pandemic was unacceptable. The

advocacy of Maryland PTA members caused the Governor to withdraw all but $11.6 million of

the proposed cuts and to dedicate $255 million from the federal CARES Act to education.

The Maryland PTA letter writing campaign once again proved every child benefits when we

speak with one voice.

Maryland PTA received the attention of federally elected leaders too. Senator Chris Van

Hollen invited us to participate in two town halls addressing “The Homework Gap and the

Digital Divide” and “The Federal Response to COVID-19.” We also shared the stage with

Senator Ben Cardin to talk about re-opening schools in COVID-19.

VICE PRESIDENT OF FIELD SERVICE The 2019 Bylaws replaced the Vice President for Council with the Vice President for Field

Service. The Vice President for Field Service coordinates the activities of councils and

service areas in relationship to each other and with Maryland PTA and chairs the field service

committee. The field service committee includes a representative from each Council and has

no less than 15 members with at least three (3) members per service area. The field service

committee develops and evaluates. The service areas are:

Area Counties

1 Northern 1 Baltimore, Baltimore City, Harford, Cecil

2 Northern 2 Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery

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3 Southern Calvert, St. Mary’s ,Prince George’s

4 Eastern 1 Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Worchester

5 Eastern 2 Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico

6 Western Garrett, Alleghany, Washington, Carroll, Frederick

The Standards of Constituent Affiliation (SOCA) was the primary focus for field service this

past year. The SOCA is vital to the association, as it is an important tool for managing

compliance and governance of the membership and constituent associations.

Maryland has 23 counties and one (1) independent city. The State, 19 counties, and the city

of Baltimore have PTAs. Charles, Dorchester, Garrett, and Talbot Counties have no

constituent associations. Maryland PTA has seven (7) Council PTAs, and their presidents

are:

County # PTA/PTSAs President

Anne Arundel County 90 Vanessa Rivera Baltimore City 9 Deborah Demery

Baltimore County 142 Jayne Lee

Frederick County 55 Traci Tatum Harford County 49 Renee DeBiase

Howard County 74 Brent Loveless

Montgomery County 196 Cynthia Simonson The PTA/PTSAs of Prince George’s County have expressed interest in re-establishing a Council PTA. Organizational meetings began, but were suspended because of the pandemic. As of July 2020, the number of PTA/PTSA units by county except as noted above, are:

County # PTA/PTSAs

Allegany 6 Calvert 11

Caroline 7

Carroll 13 Cecil 5

Kent 5

Prince George’s 89 Queen Anne’s 14

Somerset 1

St. Mary’s 17 Washington 24

Wicomico 20

Worcester 5 State 1

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The Field Service Committee plans to establish and mentor new and re-established constituent associations during the new membership year. The Committee, in collaboration with the Vice President for Leadership Development, will also focus on training local PTA leaders to facilitate continuity of operations and perpetuity of the PTA organization.

MEMBERSHIP

National PTA Membership Summary as of May 31, 2020

The total number of members was 3,108,062. This represents a year over year decrease in

the numbers of members equal to 227,965 or 6.8%. Ten (10) state PTAs increased the

number of members by 13,282. Forty-four (44) state PTAs and National PTA decreased the

number of members by 241,247. The year-to-date membership counts as a percentage of the

prior year’s total membership counts is 91.5%, which is 3.6% behind the prior year figure of

95.1%. A 2-year comparison is below:

2020 2019

YTD Totals May 31, 2020 YTD Totals May 31, 2019

3,108,062 members 3,336,027 members

227,965 members or 6.8% less than 2019

10 States increased by 13,282 members 44 States and National PTA decreased by 241,247 members

Maryland PTA Membership Summary as of May 31, 2020

Current YTD Totals

Prior YTD

Totals Variance % Variance 2019 FY

Total

% 2019FY

Total

112,220 128,035 (15,815) -12.35% 130,795 85.8%

At the July 2019 State Convention, delegates approved the creation of the Vice President for

Membership position to consult and collaborate on membership initiatives focused on

recruitment, retention, and diversification; participate in State PTA membership forums

conducted by National PTA membership committee; and, chair the membership committee.

Membership initiatives introduced during the past year included MemberHub and the Member

Rewards program.

MemberHub is the exclusive, online membership database for Maryland PTA. Effective July

1, 2020, Maryland PTA will provide membership cards to members electronically via

MemberHub. There is no cost for local units to use MemberHub, and PTA/PTSAs are not

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required to use it. (Service fees similar to those charged by PayPal are associated with

electronic funds transfers in the MemberHub system. To transact business, PTA/PTSAs must

establish a WePay or Stripe account.) Any PTA/PTSA that does not use MemberHub must

submit a membership roster to the Maryland PTA office to ensure your members receive their

cards.

The Member Rewards program includes discounts, rewards, and perks on thousands of the

brands in a variety of categories. The program is exclusively designed for PTA members and

is available and FREE to all Maryland PTA members.

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OFFICE COMMITTEE The purpose of the Office Committee is to provide expertise and

recommendations as it relates to office and vendor management as well

as building maintenance. Being faced with several challenges that

required immediate solutions, the Office Committee sought opportunities for grants,

donations, and contributions. We have been able to work throughout the pandemic, with a

small budget. We arranged for a teleworking option to ensure continuity of business

operations and allow Maryland PTA to keep its two employees.

There were necessary building repairs made, including, but not limited to,

repair to leaking roof and building door, deep cleaning of the carpet, and

office space.

When we learned that our current firewall vendor was no longer providing

support (updates/patches), leaving the Maryland PTA network insecure,

we worked with our IT Service Provider, Quality Business Solutions

(QBS), to obtain and install a new firewall. The improved firewall resulted in a stronger, more

secure network.

Plans for building maintenance and renovation scheduled for the 2017-2019 administration

unfortunately were not completed. A building inspection report recommended replacing the

carpet, installing a new building awning, repairing the roof, servicing the heating, ventilation,

and air conditioning system annually, and installing a security camera. The Office Committee

is evaluating the cost to complete the work, with the hopes of completing it during this

administration.

The Delaware Elevator Co. and Maryland State Elevator Inspector completed the required

annual inspection of the elevator in the state office. The Office Committee negotiated a 5-

year contract for $798 per year, which will save Maryland PTA over $2,000. We also

negotiated a savings of $350 over the previous year’s audit with Weyrich, Cronin, Sorra

accounting firm for the completion of the 2019 financial audit and IRS Form 990.

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The Office Committee, along with the Treasurer, completed an SBA Payroll

Protection Program (PPP) loan application to help Maryland PTA survive

during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. On May 14, 2020, Maryland PTA

received a loan of $24,903. All of these funds were earmarked for payroll and utilities. Based

on the use of the funds, the loan will be completely forgiven.

The Committee updated Employee Handbook, and recommended eight (8)

new policies to establish business procedures and best practices and

strengthen internal controls. The following Maryland PTA policies are now in

place:

1. Maryland PTA Telework Policy and Employee Short-Term Telework Agreement 2. Employee Recourse Policy 3. Maryland PTA Background Check Policy 4. Maryland PTA Records Review Policy 5. Maryland PTA Conflict of Interest Policy 6. Employee Telecommuting Policy and Procedures 7. Maryland PTA Office Policy/Procedures and Internal Controls 8. Audio Recordings of Maryland PTA Executive Committee and Board Meetings

Maryland PTA changed its insurance agent from Knight Insurance to

AIM on April 1, 2020. The change has afforded greater insurance

coverage with fewer restrictions at the same price for constituent associations. AIM agreed to

sponsor Maryland PTA’s 2020 State Convention. Even though the Convention was cancelled

because of the COVID-19 pandemic, AIM donated $5,000 to Maryland PTA. They also

committed to be a sponsor for the 2021 State Convention.

When Maryland moved into Phase II of the COVID-19 recovery process, the Office

Committee prepared the State office for employees to return to work on-site. This included

extensive cleaning of the building and ventilation system, preparing signage to facilitate social

distancing, ordering personal protective equipment and supplies, and rearranging

workstations in accordance with Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

The Office Committee worked with the President and our office staff to create/write/review

specific communications on behalf of Maryland PTA and other partner organizations. We

prepared templates, social media posts, and coordinations, and updated Letters of Interest

Forms for the vacant Board positions.

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The Office Committee Chair represents Maryland PTA on the Maryland State Department of

Education (MSDE) Gifted & Talented Advisory Council and continually advocates for funding

and equality in Gifted and Talented education across the state.

The accomplishments of the Office Committee over the past year have been crucial to the

overall success of Maryland PTA. Many thanks to everyone who played a role. We are in the

process of continuing our work.

ARTS IN EDUCATION/REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

Arts in Education is important to the overall success of students.

Studies show that children perform better in schools where the arts

are infused into the curriculum.

For more information on the Maryland PTA Reflections Program, click here:

https://reflections-mdpta.org/.

The Maryland PTA Reflections Program allows K-12 students the opportunity to showcase

their uniqueness and express themselves through the arts:

1. Dance

2. Film Production

3. Literature

4. Music Composition

5. Photography

6. Visual Arts Maryland PTA had a successful Reflections Program, with the theme “Look Within.”

Congratulations to all this year’s participants! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent!

Please click on the following link to view a YouTube video featuring the great work and

presentation of the Maryland PTA 2019-2020 Reflections Awards and Volunteer Recognition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq6GtBRAqhU

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HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE This Health and Safety Committee is responsible for developing and evaluating strategies for

the physical and mental health, welfare and safety of children and youth. Excluding Maryland

PTA directors, the members of the Health and Safety Committee are:

Harriet Kamendi Funke Pickering

The Committee:

Created a Health and Safety Facebook page to keep the parents up to date on various

Health and Safety issues and began spotlighting the parents that worked or owned

businesses in the health and safety field

Gathered information about HPV and the negative impact of vaping for a webinar

Worked on completing a Wellness, Health and Safety Handbook, and suggested

Safety Policies

Actively participated with National PTA’s Health and Safety Champs

Was a member of the Maryland Partnership to End Childhood Hunger

Broadcasted What’s the 411 on Maryland PTA Health and Safety on Facebook Live to

share information on health and safety issues for parents

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed the State of Maryland, Maryland PTA received a

grant to provide emergency food assistance to Maryland families as a part of the No Kids

Hungry “Share Our Strength Campaign.” Six hundred seven (607) families (107 more

than expected) received a grocery package from the Share Food Network or a Safeway

Gift Card. Based on responses to a confidential survey, No Kids Hungry made donations

directly to families in the name of Maryland PTA:

County # Families County # Families

Allegany 36 Harford 46 Anne Arundel 44 Howard 41

Baltimore City 29 Kent 4

Baltimore 11 Montgomery 108 Calvert 8 Prince George’s 143

Caroline 2 Queen Anne’s 16

Carroll 18 Somerset 4 Charles 21 St. Mary’s 44

Frederick 13 Wicomico 19

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Other nonprofit organizations volunteered to help Maryland PTA deliver the food packages,

and families expressed overwhelming gratitude for the support and assistance during their

time of need.

Information about the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program was shared

with families and all PTA/PTSAs. The P-EBT program gave emergency food stamps to

families with children receiving SNAP or TCA benefits. Maryland PTA also distributed or

shared information about COVID-19 from the CDC, other health agencies, and the Internal

Revenue Service.

The Health and Safety Committee Chair was selected as the first Parent Ambassador with

Action for Healthy Kids. Action for Healthy Kids focuses on wellness and health in schools

and supporting families with nutrition, physical fitness, health and safety at home.

CLOSING It has been a challenging year for Maryland PTA, and I recognize those Officers who have

built our successes and have made our organization more effective and efficient. “You have

laid a firm foundation for getting from where you are to where you are ordained to be

according to scripture (Nehemiah 8:1).”

It has been a year like no other with the “Financial Status” we were left with and the

Coronavirus pandemic. Although we have been greatly impacted on how we do business, we

adapted and continued to move forward. At a time when hard-working people are doing more

with less, we never loss sight of our responsibilities. We had to move to a new normal with

virtual meetings and not having the face to face contact. I commend the Executive

Committee and the Board of Directors for being responsive and proactive in ensuring that we

stayed true to our governing documents of conducting the business of Maryland PTA.

As your President, I am humbled and encouraged by what has taken place within the Board

of Directors and Executive Committee this year. You have stayed the course and have never

lost sight of your responsibilities through it all.

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I am pleased that we stand in solidarity with more than we were left with. We established

strategic alliances, external communications and contacts, implemented new policies,

enhanced our membership, email blasts, and publications – making MDPTA powerful as we

move forward through the crisis.

As I stated in my opening speech on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the 2019 Maryland State

Convention before the Delegates I was on the move to follow the PTA Mission – to make

every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to

advocate for all children. I asked everyone to get on board and join this Train. We were

moving forward across the state to make this a collaborative effort. “So get on board! Toot!

Toot!”

I can only say this year has been an unforgettable experience.

Respectfully, Dr. Edna Harvin Battle President Maryland State PTA

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MARYLAND PTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Dr. Edna Harvin Battle

President Elect Marla Posey-Moss

Vice President of Leadership Development Erin Clegg (July 2019-October 2019) Dr. LaTonja Carrera

Vice President for Advocacy M. Tonya Sweat, Esquire

Vice President for Field Service Quantane Higginbotham

Vice President for Membership Sarah Mugo (August 2019-April 2020)

Secretary Michael Sedgwick (July 2019-August 2019)

Khristy Kartsakalis (Sept 2019-April 2020) Ivy Taylor

Treasurer Erin Waters (July 2019-August 2019)

Laura Mitchell (Sept 2019-February 2020) Bruce O. Butz

Arts in Education Dr. Tracy Worley (August 2019-July 2020)

Bylaws Jayne Lee (August 2019-April 2020)

Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Matthew Fogg

Family and Community Engagement Traci Potts (August 2019-April 2020)

Federal Legislative Aimee Freeman (August 2019-May 2020)

Office Alexandria Briggs-Blake

Health and Safety Dr. LaTonja Carrera