Convention Chronicle 2015

California State ConventionChronicleeverychild. onevoice.

¡Únete a PTA en la convención anual! Para más información, visitahttp://downloads.capta.org/con/Chronicle_Spanish.pdf

Engaging speakers, educational workshops,energizing events – we’ve got it allApril 30-May 3 in Sacramento!

You just can’t miss convention! It’s your one-stop, all-in-oneevent where you can learn how to set up your PTA, your kidsand your school for success in the months and years to

come. Get the latest information on issues affecting your familyand school community, build the skills you need to strengthen yourPTA and have fun networking with other PTA leaders from acrossCalifornia.

Stay engaged!Stay engaged with the latestconvention updates, news andinformation by visiting capta.org.And be sure to use #PTA4Kidsin all of your social media posts!

VOLUME 39 • FOR DELEGATES TO THE 116TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA STATE PTA CONVENTION • MARCH 2015

#PTA4Kids Register online at capta.org

Look INSIDE for Detai ls

Dr. Mae Jemison – Educator, Physician, Engineer and First African-American Woman AstronautScheduled to speak Friday, May 1, at the General MeetingDr. Mae C. Jemison is currently leading 100 Year Starship (100YSS), an initiative seed funded bythe United States Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) Defense Advanced Research Project Agency(DARPA) to assure the capability for human interstellar space travel to another star is possiblewithin the next 100 years. She also is founder of the technology consulting firm, The JemisonGroup, Inc., that integrates the critical impact of socio-cultural issues when designing andimplementing technologies, such as their projects on using satellite technology for health care delivery inWest Africa and solar dish Stirling engines for electricity generation in developing countries. The first womanof color in the world to go into space, Dr. Jemison served six years as a NASA astronaut. She flew aboard theSpace Shuttle Endeavour, STS-47 Spacelab J(apan) mission in September 1992 and was NASA’s firstScience Mission Specialist performing experiments in material science, life science and human adaptation to weightlessness.

2015 California Teacher of the Year Maggie Mabery Scheduled to speak Sunday, May 3, at the General MeetingMaggie Mabery has been a science teacher for 15 years, with 13 of those years spent atManhattan Beach Middle School, where her class motto is “Keep Calm and Science On!” Shetakes pride in the boisterous nature of her technology-based classroom. Her philosophy ofteaching? “Noisy, breaking materials, lighting stuff on fire, out of seats, creating from scratch,active, group work, tech savvy, hands-on, engaging, intriguing” is how she sums up herclassroom environment. She has always been intrigued about technology and has shared it withenormous enthusiasm with her students and other teachers: iPads, white boards, apps—all are

common tools in her classes. She believes this is her greatest contribution to education.

Hon. Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye – Chief Justice of CaliforniaScheduled to speak Thursday, April 30, at the General MeetingChief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye is the 28th Chief Justice of the State of California. Shewas sworn into office Jan. 3, 2011, and is the first Asian-Filipina American and the secondwoman to serve as the state’s chief justice. She chairs the Judicial Council of California, theadministrative policymaking body of state courts, and the Commission on Judicial Appointments.She has served for more than 20 years on California appellate and trial courts, and has beenappointed or elevated to higher office by three governors.

2 Convention Chronicle • March 2015

SPECIAL GUESTS

Engaging, educational and energizing keynote speakers Amazing keynote speakers at each general meeting will energize, inspire and motivate you. All willshare unique insights on how they’re committed to creating a better future for our children, familiesand nation – just like you!

Linda Darling-HammondScheduled to speak Thursday, April 30, at the Equity Institute in collaboration with the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators(CAAASA) Linda Darling-Hammond is a Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education at the StanfordGraduate School of Education. She is also an author and editor of more than a dozen books andmore than 300 articles on education policy and practice. Her work focuses on schoolrestructuring, teacher education and educational equity.

National PTA Representative Mercedes SandovalScheduled to speak Thursday, April 30, at the First General Meeting and on Friday, May 1, at the National PTA Town Hall MeetingMercedes Sandoval serves on the National PTA Board of Directors. She previously served on theNational PTA Organizational Effectiveness Committee and the New Mexico PTA ConventionCommittee. She also served as the New Mexico PTA president and president-elect, New MexicoPTA diversity chair and Dolores Gonzales Elementary School PTA president.

Convention Chronicle • March 2015 3

CALL to Convention: The California State PTA hereby calls upon its membership to send duly accredited delegates to the

116th Annual Convention in Sacramento, April 30-May 3, 2015.

All PTA members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Dr. Pedro NogueraScheduled to speak Thursday, April 30, at the EdSource SymposiumPedro Noguera is the Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education at New York University. Dr. Noguerais a sociologist whose scholarship and research focuses on the ways in which schools areinfluenced by social and economic conditions, as well as by demographic trends in local, regionaland global contexts.

Dr. Noguera is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and theTransformation of Schools. From 2008 to 2011, he was an appointee of the governor of New Yorkto the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees and in 2014, he was elected to the NationalAcademy of Education.

Welcome to Sacramento! Convention badge: You must wear your credential (namebadge) for admittance to the convention floor, exhibithalls and workshops. Credentials may not be shared.

Dress: Business casual.

Handouts: Print or download handouts online at capta.org beginning April 20.

Notes: Use your smartphone, tablet or notepaper to takeadequate notes to prepare a report for your unit whenyou get home. Include events, resolutions, new ideasand trainings you received at convention. Share thematerials you bring home with your unit, council ordistrict to help spread the word about all you’ve learnedto help your PTA, students and school.

Be courteous: Give attention to the speaker who has thefloor. Minimize side conversations. Turn cell phonesOFF or silence them.

Network: Take this opportunity to make new friends andshare ideas with others from all over California.

Visit exhibits: Find information on exciting new programsand products for your students and school.

Convention delegates: Attend the convention generalmeetings and conferences. You are the electedconvention delegate representing your local PTA.Members of your unit, council or district are dependingon you to represent them and vote on their behalf. Arriveon time and remain until adjourned.

Most of all: Have a good time!

Don’t forget to bring: Your bar-coded confirmation letter Your current PTA membership card Arts Education Advocacy Coloring page For students, a signed Parent/Guardian Approvaland Consent to Treatment Form.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Make your PTA – and your PTA experience – the best it can be with our helpful workshopsWant to help your kids and school while making your PTA job even easier? We’ve got more than 75 ways to makethat happen! Our engaging, educational and energizing workshops give you the tools you need to succeed. Our fun,hands-on training opportunities include PTA leadership, finance, advocacy, communications, health and more. What’smore, each workshop and table talk is a great way to share your ideas and inspiration with other PTA leaders from acrossCalifornia!

Open-Seating WorkshopsNo need to sign up for workshops in advance. Attend anyworkshop with open seating. Some trainings do fill up fast,so arrive early to ensure you get the information thatmatters most to you and your PTA.

Table TalksWhile workshops focus more on training, table talks offermore opportunities for you to ask questions and shareinformation on what your PTA is doing. Check them out!

Digital HandoutsAccess the materials you need with ease simply by usingyour smartphone, tablet or laptop. Handouts will beavailable for download beginning April 20 at capta.org, andall attendees also receive handouts on a USB drive onsite.

Sacramento was voted one of the coolest cities by Forbes Magazine.


ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Get engaged, educated and energized with these specialactivities and events

Student OrientationThursday, April 30, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Students: Your local, district, unit, state and national PTAsare all here for one reason – you. Our entire mission is tohelp you achieve in school, at home and in life. But while ourorganization’s membership includes adults – parents,educators and community leaders who care about you – novoice is more powerful than your own. Take advantage of thisopportunity to enjoy convention and make a difference! FREE!

Walk & Rally: Shape It Out and Shake It Up!Thursday, April 30, 12 - 1 p.m.

Come and join healthy-minded advocates for children as wemake our way from the Convention Center to the Capitol.Stroll around beautiful Capitol Park, then meet at thedesignated spot for a rally on children’s issues! FREE!

National PTA Town Hall MeetingFriday, May 1, 8 - 9 a.m.

Meet and interact with National PTA RepresentativeMercedes Sandoval. This year, a special workshop will bepresented at the town hall. You won’t want to miss it! FREE!

Arts Education Advocacy BreakfastSaturday, May 2, 8 - 9:30 a.m.($15, pre-registration required)

Join arts-education leaders at this fun breakfast forpresentations, with the ultimate goal of providing every childaccess to quality arts education. Get inspired to be a hero for arts education! Breakfast: $15 Registration Fee. Must pre-register.Event: Free to all attendees. No advance registration required.

Reflections Art Program Dinner and EventSaturday, May 2Dinner: 6 - 7:15 p.m.($55, pre-registration required)Event: 7:30 - 10 p.m. (FREE!)

Be inspired by an evening of celebration as studentReflections Award of Excellence winners present their works of art. Dinner: $55 Registration Fee. Must pre-register.Event: Free to all attendees. No advance registration required.

There’s so much to see and do at convention! There are lots of activities and events to keep you engaged, learning andhaving fun. Here’s just a sample of what you can expect in Sacramento:


ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

The Equity Institute: Superintendent and Parent EngagementThis event will feature keynote speaker Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E.Ducommun Professor of Education at the Stanford Graduate School of Education.Her latest report, “Supporting Continuous Improvement in California’s EducationSystem” was recently released by PACE and the Stanford Center for OpportunityPolicy in Education.

Also featuring:

Dr. Judy White, President of CAAASA and Superintendent of Moreno ValleyUnified School District

Dr. Gordon Jackson, Director of Coordinated Student Support Division, CaliforniaDepartment of Education

Dr. Michael Lim, Corona-Norco USD Superintendent Dr. Maggie Steele, California State PTA Vice President for Family Engagement Plus several other superintendents, parents and educational leaders.

Equity Institute topics include:

A new model of school accountability based on “continuous system improvement” Strengthening trust, transparency and responsibility between superintendentsand parents

How the parent-administrator relationship is vital to equity.

All registered convention delegates are invited to attend. Superintendents areencouraged to participate along with one or more parent leaders from their schooldistricts.

The Equity InstitutePresented in collaboration with theCalifornia Association of AfricanAmerican Superintendents andAdministrators (CAAASA)

Thursday, April 30, 1 - 4 p.m.

EdSource SymposiumThursday, April 30Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. ($25; pre-registration required)Event: 9 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (FREE!)

Identify successful strategies in serving high-needsstudents with a special symposium by EdSourceJoin leading policy experts and educators in an exciting forum presented by theCalifornia State PTA and EdSource. A major challenge in California education, andthe focus of recent reforms, is how to improve outcomes for “high-needs” children.But will these reforms achieve the results they are intended to have? Whatstrategies are proving successful in serving high-needs students – and what moreneeds to be done?

Featured speakers include:

Dr. Pedro Noguera, Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education at New YorkUniversity and regular commentator on educational issues on CNN, MSNBC,NPR and other national news outlets

Michael Kirst, President of the California State Board of Education Kim Pattillo Brownson, Director of Educational Equity at the Advancement Project Ryan J. Smith, Executive Director at The Education Trust-West.

All registered convention delegates are invited to attend.

Breakfast: $25 Registration Fee. Must pre-register.

Forum: Free to all attendees. No advance registration required.


BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Your voice directs our future

Making motions at conventionTo assist delegates during consideration of business items, a Motion ReviewStation will be located in the general meeting room. Notice of the businessitems to delegates is published in the Convention Chronicle, on the websiteand in the Convention Program Book. Notices of ‘Intent to Amend’ may besubmitted at three locations: at a hearing; at the Information, Lost and Foundbooth; or at the Motion Review Station in the general meeting room.Submitted Notices of ‘Intent to Amend’ will be posted for delegate reviewadjacent to the Information, Lost and Found booth.

If a delegate wishes to amend the proposed Legislation Policies as published,a Notice of Intent To Amend must be received at

a Legislation Hearing; OR one of the designated convention locations by 6 p.m. on the day before theLegislation Policies are to be considered on the convention floor.

Delegates who wish to amend the resolveds of a proposed resolution mustpresent a Notice of Intent to Amend at

a Resolutions Hearing; OR one of the designated convention locations by 6 p.m. on the day before theresolution is scheduled to be considered on the convention floor.

Delegates who wish to amend a proposed bylaws amendment must present aNotice of Intent to Amend at

a Bylaws Hearing; OR one of the designated convention locations by 6 p.m. on the day before thebylaws amendment is scheduled to be considered on the convention floor.

A motion to amend may be permitted without the required written notice onlyif the amendment results from new information that came after the deadline orbecause the resolution has been changed substantially by otheramendments. Delegates presenting such amendments must first go to theMotion Review Station before proceeding to the microphone.

General meetings allow PTAto enact the business of theassociation, hear inspiringspeakers and celebrate ourfounders’ legacy and vision inthe ongoing work of CaliforniaState PTA and its nearly 1million members. Delegateswill debate and vote onresolutions and bylawsamendments as well as adoptour Legislation Policies. All ofthese items direct ourorganization, advocacy andfuture, so your participation isessential. We look forward tohearing from you at thegeneral meetings.

Legislation PoliciesThursday, April 30 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Resolutions Thursday, April 30 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Friday, May 1 8 - 9:30 a.m.

Bylaws Saturday, May 2 8 - 9 a.m.

HearingsLearn about the proposed resolutions,the Legislation Policies and bylaws amendments:

The Legislation Hearing will takeplace on Thursday at 11 a.m. todiscuss proposed changes to theLegislative Policies. Because theseitems will be presented at the generalmeeting of the same day, any Noticeof Intent to Amend must be presentedat that Legislation Hearing.



Legislation Policies for AdoptionDelegates to convention adopt California State PTA Legislation Policies in odd-numbered years. The current policies wereadopted by convention delegates in May 2013. They are published in the California State PTA Toolkit, the ConventionChronicle and are posted online.The Board of Managers recommends changes to Policies 4, 5, 7, 9 and a change to the title. Deletions are identified by aline through the word (unit), additions, insertions or substitutions are identified by underlining (unit).

Policy 1The State Board of Managers of theCalifornia State PTA is responsible fortaking action on state legislation, andproposed or qualified statewide ballotmeasures.

Policy 2Legislative measures selected foraction by the State Board of Managersmust be of statewide significance, andmust fit within the Purposes of the PTAand within the framework of thelegislation platform adopted by theconvention delegates.

Policy 3Any position on legislation adopted by the California State PTA Board ofManagers remains in effect, unless,after subsequent review, new action isdeemed warranted, and is adoptedaccording to California State PTAprocedures.

Policy 4All positions on legislation andstatewide ballot measures taken by the California State PTA Board ofManagers shall be posted on theassociation’s website in a timelymanner.Rationale: To clarify that both legislation andstate-wide ballot measures will be posted asspecified.Policy 5A unit, council, or district PTA with aninterest in a proposed or qualified statewide ballot measure, orlegislation, which pertains to thewelfare of children and youth, mustdetermine whether the California StatePTA Board of Managers is studying orhas taken action, before taking anyaction locally. Action may be taken

locally by following the appropriatesteps procedures.Rationale: To clarify that this requirementapplies to legislation as well as statewide ballotmeasures, and to address the concernexpressed by a convention delegate in 2013.Rationale: To use a more accurate term.Policy 6Any California State PTA action onlegislation represents the officialposition of the organization and shallnot be interpreted as representing thepersonal opinion or conviction of everyindividual PTA member.

Policy 7Unit, council and district PTAs areencouraged to promote adoptedCalifornia State PTA positions and maybe requested to actively support them.While unit, council and district PTAsare not required to work actively forany position, they should not officiallyoppose a stand taken by the StateBoard of Managers. Unit, council, anddistrict PTAs need not vote to affirm aCalifornia State PTA position in orderto take action. Expressed membershipdisapproval of a position on legislationshould be communicated to theCalifornia State PTA Board ofManagers Directors through regularchannels, with a report of the extentof – and reasons for – the disapproval.Rationale: To ensure the information iseffectively communicated to the appropriatedirector/s.Policy 8Any unit, council or district PTA mayrequest that the California State PTABoard of Managers consider takingaction on state legislation or proposedor qualified statewide ballot measures.

Policy 9A district, council or unit PTA may wishto take action on a state legislativemeasure that affects only its local orregional area. The district PTA affectedmust inform the California State Boardof Managers Directors before takingaction a position.Rationale: To clarify that a council or unit mayalso wish to take an action.Rationale: To ensure the information iseffectively communicated to the appropriatedirector’s.Rationale: To use a term that is more specific.Policy 10Unit, council and district PTAs areresponsible for taking action on local issues originating in school districts,cities, regions, or counties, if suchaction fits within the framework of thePurposes of PTA, the legislationplatform, adheres to PTA policies, andaffects the well-being of children andyouth.

Policy 11Informational material on PTA positionsrelated to legislative issues may besent home with students, incompliance with local school districtpolicies and procedures.*

*State law requires school districts to adoptpolicies regarding sending material home withstudents.

The Legislation Hearing will take place onThursday at 11 a.m. to discuss proposedchanges to the Legislative Policies.Because these items will be presented atthe general meeting of the same day, anyNotice of Intent to Amend must bepresented at that Legislation Hearing.

California State PTA Legislative Legislation Policies and ProceduresAdopted May 2013

Rationale: To maintain consistency of terminology.



Resolution ASynthetic Marijuana – Education and Awareness1 WHEREAS, There are reported cases of psychotic effects,such as extreme anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations,thoughts of suicide and harmful thoughts due to use ofsynthetic marijuana commonly known as “Spice” or “K2”;and

2 WHEREAS, Synthetic marijuana products are easilyobtained and are gaining popularity at an alarming rateamong high school students; due to sophisticatedmarketing, the products that contain these syntheticcannabinoids are perceived as “legal” alternatives tomarijuana despite the fact that they are typically advertisedas herbal incense or plant food; and

3 WHEREAS, As of November 30, 2014 there were 3,359cases reported to poison control centers of syntheticmarijuana abuse with side effects including an increase inblood pressure and heart rate, loss of blood flow to theheart, parasitic ingestion, seizures, agitation, vomiting andconfusion; and

4 WHEREAS, The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)has designated the five most active ingredients in syntheticmarijuana as illegal to sell, purchase or possess; makersand suppliers continually alter the composition of chemicalcompounds that are used to create synthetic marijuana toevade prosecution and continue to sell these products; thesynthetic additives are difficult to detect and identify; nowtherefore be it

1 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units,councils and districts encourage parents, guardians and allothers responsible for the welfare of children and youth topromote awareness, engage in conversations and educatethemselves and their families about the dangers ofsynthetic marijuana; and be it further

2 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units,councils and districts collaborate with public healthauthorities, school health professionals and other drugawareness and prevention agencies in developing andpromoting health warnings related to synthetic marijuana;and be it further

3 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units,councils and districts support legislation to promoteadditional restrictions on the purchase, sale, possession,and distribution of synthetic marijuana; and be it further

4 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA submit thisresolution to the National PTA for consideration at theNational PTA Convention.

BACKGROUND SUMMARYSynthetic marijuana is marketed as a legal alternative tocannabis (marijuana), and is known by names such asspice, K2, fake weed, Yucatan fire, moon rocks and manyothers. Most people smoke synthetic marijuana by rolling itin papers (as with marijuana or handmade tobaccocigarettes); sometimes, it is mixed with marijuana. Someusers also make it into an herbal tea for drinking.

Although marijuana has been shown to have beneficialeffects on certain health issues, synthetic marijuana hasno known beneficial effects. A wide variety of mixturesproduce experiences similar to marijuana. Syntheticmarijuana products contain dried plant materials, chemicaladditives, and/or cannabis compounds and most arelabeled “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.”

The American Association of Poison Control Centers andthe National Institute on Drug Abuse state these mixturescan cause psychotic effects, such as extreme anxiety,paranoia, hallucinations, and harmful thoughts, includingthoughts of suicide. Other side effects include extremehigh blood pressure, loss of blood flow, tremors, seizures,agitation, vomiting and confusion. Thousands of cases ofharmful side effects have been reported in 2014 alone. In2011, synthetic marijuana was mentioned by patients inthe emergency room 28,531 times. This was a drasticincrease over the 11,406 reports in 2010. The use of thesecompounds among adolescents has been increasing withmore than 7% of high school students having usedsynthetic marijuana in the past year.

Originating BodyTwenty-Fourth District PTA

Action by PTA Organizations Position(A SUPPORT position means a PTA body approved sending the resolution forward to convention delegates.)

Twenty-Fourth District PTA SupportCalifornia State PTA Support

continued on page 11


Resolution BClimate Change is a Children’s Issue


1 WHEREAS, There is broad scientific consensus thatEarth’s climate is warming at an unusual pace comparedto natural changes in climate experienced in the past; and

2 WHEREAS, There is a broad scientific consensus amongclimate scientists that human activities, contributing togreenhouse gases, are the dominant cause in climatewarming; and

3 WHEREAS, Children represent a particularly vulnerablegroup already suffering disproportionately from both directand indirect adverse health effects of climate change; and

4 WHEREAS, The greenhouse gases emitted into theatmosphere will accumulate over the coming decades andwill profoundly impact today’s children as adults and futuregenerations; now therefore be it

1 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA urge its units,councils and districts to educate parents on the impact ofclimate change on children’s health and future welfare;and be it further

2 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, its units,councils and districts, urge school districts to educatestudents on climate and energy literacy and humansustainability; and be it further

3 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, its units,councils and districts urge school districts to supportprograms and strategies to make schools more climate-safe, energy efficient living laboratories to prepare childrenfor climate changes already underway; and be it further

4 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, its unit,councils and districts urge school districts to serve as rolemodels for practices that promote energy conservation,alternative energy sources, reducing dependency onautomobile travel and encouraging sustainable practices;and be it further

5 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA considerclimate change a children’s issue and urge its units,councils and districts to advocate for comprehensive local,state and national legislation to substantially reduce man-made contributions to climate change and to mitigate itsimpact on children’s health; and be it further

6 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA submit thisresolution to the National PTA for consideration by thedelegates at its convention.

BACKGROUND SUMMARYAccording to thousands of peer-reviewed studies, theEarth’s temperature is warming and the dominant reasonis due to human activities. In California, climate change willcause more frequent and intense forest fires, more airpollution and deadly heat waves, a significant reduction inthe snowpack and state water supplies, sea level rise anderosion along California’s long coastline.

Today’s children are already being impacted by climatechange. Because of their physical, physiological, andcognitive vulnerability, children are more susceptible toadverse health effects from environmental hazards. Asimpacts of climate change worsen in the coming years,anticipated direct health consequences of climate changewill include injury and death from extreme weather eventsand natural disasters, increases in climate-sensitiveinfectious diseases, increases in air pollution-relatedillness, and more heat-related, potentially fatal, illness. Byrallying to protect and prepare our children today, we helpthe nation, the planet and future generations.

Originating BodySan Diego Unified Council of PTAs


San Diego Unified Council of PTAs SupportCalifornia State PTA Support



Resolution CLGBTQ+ Inclusiveness in Health Education California 1 WHEREAS, Comprehensive health education, includingsexual health education, is a foundational building blockfor emotional and physical well-being; and

2 WHEREAS, The lack of awareness and understanding ofLGBTQ+ issues and individuals has contributed to a higherrate of isolation, depression, and suicidal tendencies in theLGBTQ+ community; and

3 WHEREAS, Education regarding LGBTQ+ issuesincreases understanding and cultivates acceptance of, andrespect for, LGBTQ+ individuals; now therefore be it

1 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA work with theDepartment of Education to adopt clearly stated standardsregarding age-appropriate, medically accurate informationon LGBTQ+ issues into the health curriculum; and be itfurther

2 RESOLVED, That units, councils and districts urge localeducation agencies to provide LGBTQ+ inclusive curricularmaterials and campus resources; and be it further

3 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA seek andsupport legislation that creates a more acceptingenvironment in schools, specifically with updated healtheducation standards that deal with issues of sexualorientation, gender identity, and gender expression; and beit further

4 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA submit thisresolution to the National PTA for consideration at the June2016 National PTA Convention.

BACKGROUND SUMMARYWe, the California State PTA, advocate to positively impactthe lives of all children, regardless of sexual orientation,gender identity, or gender expression. Numerous studies,spanning decades of research, have pointed to the factthat LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,Queer or Questioning, and all other gender and sexualminorities) youth are more likely to be the products ofbullying and harassment, such that they are more prone tomiss valuable class instruction, engage in self-destructiveactivities, and suffer from depression and suicidal ideation.Studies also show that education on the spectra of sexualorientation and gender identity and expression has apositive correlation with increased understanding andacceptance of all individuals. As stakeholders in thesuccess and wellbeing of all of California’s children, we,the California State PTA, have a fundamental need toaddress the issue of LGBTQ+ student inclusion in theeducational process.

Resolution ASynthetic Marijuana – Education and Awareness continued from page 9Most chemicals used to produce synthetic marijuana arelegal for persons of any age to purchase. They can bepurchased online or in person in locations such as smokeshops and gas stations. The U.S. government and severalstates, including California, have attempted to outlawsynthetic marijuana by identifying the specific ingredients

and making them illegal. However, manufacturers continueto produce synthetic marijuana by changing the chemicalcomposition to include only legal products. When bloodtests are administered on those who have used syntheticmarijuana, labs cannot detect the chemical compoundswith current tests. This is makes prosecution very difficult.

Originating BodyBurbank Council PTA


Burbank Council PTA SupportCalifornia State PTA Support



Proposed Amendments to the Bylaws1. to amend Article IV – Constituent Organizations, Section 1 b, byinserting after the words “California State PTA” the words for failure tocomply with the legal filing requirements of federal or state governmentagencies for three consecutive filing periods,

ARTICLE IV – Constituent Organizationsb. The State Board of Managers may withdraw the charter from any of theconstituent organizations for nonpayment of total per capita dues collectedand/or applicable insurance premiums; for commission of acts contrary to thedeclared purposes, bylaws, policies, procedures or programs of the NationalPTA and/or the California State PTA, for failure to comply with the legal filingrequirements of federal or state government agencies for three consecutivefiling periods, or upon request of the constituent organization as provided inthese bylaws.

Rationale: All PTAs in California are required by law to file information returns withthe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State Franchise Tax Board (FTB)annually. The IRS automatically revokes the exempt status of any exemptorganization that fails to file returns for three consecutive filing periods. Constituentassociations of California State PTA (unit, council and district PTAs) are registeredwith the IRS under the Group Exemption Number issued to the California StatePTA. The IRS and FTB hold California State PTA responsible for the annual filingsof its constituents. Non-compliance with tax filings jeopardizes California StatePTA’s exempt status. This amendment helps protect the exempt status of CaliforniaState PTA.

2. to amend Article VI – Local PTAs/PTSAs, Section 8, by inserting anew letter “d” as follows: d. Complies with the legal filing requirements ofstate and federal government agencies.

ARTICLE VI – Local PTAs/PTSAsSection 8. A local PTA in good standing in California is one which also:

a. Pays dues to and actively supports all branches of the National and StatePTA;

b. Pays insurance premiums to the State PTA; andc. Is composed of not less than fifteen (15) members of whom at least three (3)shall serve in the offices of president, secretary and treasurer, respectively;and

d. Complies with the legal filing requirements of state and federal governmentagencies.

Rationale: This statement provides notice of the legal filing requirements.

3. to amend Article XIII – Council and District PTAs, Section 5 byinserting a new letter “h” as follows: h. Complies with the legal filingrequirements of state and federal government agencies.

ARTICLE XIII – Council and District PTAs

Section 5. Each council and district PTA in good standing in California isone which complies with National PTA Bylaws and State PTA guidelines, whichincludes:

Delegates to the 2015convention will be askedto consider the followingamendments to theCalifornia State PTAbylaws, published in theCalifornia State PTAToolkit, and postedonline at capta.org. Unitpresidents are asked toassure that delegatesarrive at conventioninformed regarding theviews of theirmembership on thesequestions. Deletions areidentified by a linethrough the word (unit);additions, insertions orsubstitutions areidentified by underlining(unit). Each proposedrevision is followed bythe rationale for thechange.



a. Adheres to the Purposes and basic policies of the PTA;b. Adheres to the State PTA policies and procedures;c. Has bylaws approved according to the procedures of the State PTA;d. Has at least three (3) elected officers: president, secretary and treasurer;e. Forwards the national and state portion of per capita dues to the State PTA bythe deadline date;

f. Pays insurance premiums to the State PTA;g. Forwards all insurance premiums received from units by the deadline date; andh. Complies with the legal filing requirements of state and federal governmentagencies; and

i. Meets other criteria as may be prescribed by the State PTA.

Rationale: Same as previous.

4. to amend Article XII – Nominations and Elections, Section 1, by inserting anew letter “g” as follows: g. Any persons who serve on the nominatingcommittee shall not be eligible for consideration as a nominee to the boardof directors for the immediately following term.ARTICLE XII – Nominations and ElectionsAny person who is qualified to be an elected officer may be nominated by one ofthe following procedures:

Section 1. Nomination by Committee.

a. In an election year and at least one hundred fifty (150) days prior to the electionat the annual State convention, a nominating committee shall be elected. Thecommittee shall be composed of seven (7) members and three (3) alternates.The committee shall be elected by ballot after nominations have been madefrom the floor. Two of the members and one alternate shall be from the districtPTA presidents. Five members and two alternates shall be from the Board ofManagers other than the district PTA presidents. No more than two members ofthe nominating committee shall reside in the same district PTA. Each group is tobe nominated and elected separately by the Board of Managers. A plurality shallelect.

b. No person shall be eligible to serve on two consecutive nominating committees.c. The president, president-elect and a person who is eligible only for the office ofpresident-elect shall not be eligible to be elected to the nominating committee.

d. The nominating committee shall, with the consent of five of its members,prepare a list of nominees for each office.

e. The consent of candidates must be secured before the slate is announced.f. The report of the nominating committee shall be presented to the Board ofManagers, shall be published in the CALL to convention, and shall be presentedat the first meeting of the convention.

g. Any persons who serve on the nominating committee shall not be eligible forconsideration as a nominee to the board of directors for the immediatelyfollowing term.

Rationale: This addition provides transparency and assures that the members of thenominating committee have no self interest in the nominating process.

Nominees for officeThe California State PTAnominating committee askedthe following individuals toserve in the Board of Directorselected positions. Thenominating committee reportwill be presented during theFirst General Meeting ofconvention on Thursday, April 30, at which time, if noticehas been filed in accordancewith the California State PTAbylaws, nomination by petitionwill be announced (Article XII,Section 2) or nominations maybe made from the floor (ArticleXII, Section 3). In the event of anomination by petition ornomination from the floor, eachnominee for a contestedposition will be granted five (5)minutes to address thedelegate body. If a ballot vote isnecessary, the location andtimes for voting will beannounced. When there is butone candidate for an office, theballot for that office may bedispensed with and the electionheld by voice vote at the closeof nominations.


ELECTION OF THE 2015-2017 CALIFORNIA STATE PTA OFFICERS

The California State PTA bylaws (Article VIII, Section 2) state that, except for the office of president, the officersshall be elected biennially in odd-numbered years, and the president-elect shall succeed automatically to theoffice of president. 2013-2015 President-elect Justine Fischer will succeed to the presidency for the 2015-2017term. Elections will be held at the First General Meeting, Thursday, April 30.

President Justine Fischer (Twelfth District)Justine Fischer is currently the president-elect for the California State PTA. She has held numerous leadership positions inlocal PTAs as well as at the state level including: convention, education, writing resolutions, legislation and advocacy,resource development, student involvement and diversity and inclusion. During the past four years, she has been deeplyinvolved in providing training and outreach to parents to help them understand and engage in their schools. She is passionateabout PTA and her vision for the future includes opportunities to meet the varying needs of PTA leaders and members throughsocial media, technology and customized programming. Professionally, she has worked for many years serving the needs ofmigrant families and communities in Southern California. Justine is the mother of two; her son is an airman in the U.S. Navyand her daughter recently graduated college. Justine lives in Ventura County with her husband.

President-elect Dianna MacDonald (Fourteenth District)Dianna MacDonald has served PTA at the local, regional and state levels in variousroles including serving on the California State PTA Legislation Team as well as onthe Education and Leadership Commissions. Dianna is a National PTA presenterand national Issue Forum Moderator. She has served as a school board trusteesince 2008. Dianna and her husband Mike have three sons: Denton and Cole areboth in college and Tanner is a senior at Cloverdale High.

Vice President for Leadership Services Mary Galuska (Fourth District)For 25 years, Mary Galuska has worked at all levels of PTA and is currently servingas the vice-chair of the California State PTA Leadership Services Commission. Herprevious roles have included serving as the vice president for programs & memberservices, secretary, Reflections coordinator, Arts Committee chair and chair of theDistrict Presidents. Mary is currently the coordinator of the Orange USD ArtsEducation Alliance and president of Friends of the Orange Public Library.Professionally, she holds an MBA from Northwestern University, has worked as anaccount executive in the telecommunications industry and in real estate. Mary andher husband of 32 years, Aleck, live in Orange.

Vice President for Programs and Member Services Kathy Steinberg (Thirty-First District)Kathy Steinberg is a past president of Thirty-First District PTA, and currently servesas California State PTA vice president for Community Concerns. Previously, Kathyserved as the vice president for Education and as the federal legislation advocate.Professionally, Kathy specializes in conflict management/mediation and isexperienced in the operations of nonprofit corporations. She is a graduate of USCand holds an advanced certificate from Cambridge University. Kathy and herhusband, Bob, both graduates of Duke Law, have two sons and reside in LosAngeles.

Vice President for Communications Carol Green (Ninth District)Carol Green became a PTA member in 1997 when her oldest daughter startedkindergarten and has volunteered at various levels of PTA since then, mostrecently serving as the president of Ninth District PTA. Carol is thecommunity/media relations director for the Safety Wellness Community Coalition inSan Diego and has been the summer camp director for TASIS, The AmericanSchool in England. Carol spent more than 20 years in radio and television news asa producer, reporter, writer and anchor. She has been active locally as a Girl Scoutleader and as a past president of the San Diego Junior Theatre Board of Trustees.She has a BA in communications and journalism from San Diego State University.Carol and her husband Jonathan have three children.

Vice President for Convention Barbara Harris (Twenty-Fourth District)Barbara Harris has been involved with PTA for 13years and is currently serving a third term on both theCalifornia State PTA Convention Commission and theResolutions Committee. Barbara holds a BS inbusiness and management and is retired from PG & E

where she had a career in nuclear security. A native Californian,Barbara resides in Paso Robles with her husband Mark. They have onedaughter, Kiana, who is now a freshman at a private college inPennsylvania studying paleontology.

Vice President for Community Concerns Deborah Kemper (Seventeenth District)Deborah Kemper has volunteered for PTA for morethan 25 years and currently serves as the CaliforniaState PTA secretary. Previously, Deborah served aspresident for Seventeenth District PTA and as the firstchairman for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee

for which she received a Golden Oak Service Award. Deborah holds anMBA, with an emphasis in international business and is the associateexecutive director for the San Mateo County Bar Association. Deborahlives in San Carlos with her husband Cliff. They have five children:Marc, Brittany, their adoptee Milo and two foster children, Nowa andCapri.

Vice President for Education Celia Jaffe (Fourth District)Celia Jaffe has been a PTA leader in Orange Countyfor 20 years. She is past president of Fourth DistrictPTA and currently serves on the California State PTABoard of Managers as vice chairman of the EducationCommission and vice chairman of the Resolutions

Committee. An elected trustee of the Huntington Beach City SchoolDistrict for 10 years, Celia also served on the Delegate Assembly of theCalifornia School Boards Association. She holds a master’s degree ineducation and taught high school English for five years.

Vice President for Health Scott Folsom (Tenth District)Scott Folsom currently serves on the California StatePTA Health Commission. In addition to his PTAservice, Scott has served on many LAUSDcommittees, task forces and work groups includingthe Bond Oversight Committee. He promoted Full Day

Kindergarten, wrote district seismic upgrade policy and promotedestablishment of School Based Community Wellness Centersthroughout LAUSD. He also took part in LA’s fierce advocacy forchildren’s oral, vision and mental health through his membership on theboard of the LA Trust for Children’s Health.

Vice President for Family Engagement Colette Rudd (Seventeenth District)Colette Rudd, from San Mateo, has been a PTAvolunteer since 1989 and a member of the CaliforniaState PTA Board of Managers since 2009, currentlyserving as the chairman of the School SmartsCommittee and a member of the Family Engagement

Commission. Professionally, Colette managed drug research anddevelopment projects, most recently as associate director of toxicologyat XenoPort, Inc. She received a BA in biology from the University ofCalifornia, San Diego and a PhD in molecular biology from theUniversity of California, Los Angeles.

Vice President for Membership Brian Bonner (Ninth District)Brian Bonner is the California State PTA federaladvocate and vice chair of the National PTALegislative Committee. He has served on theCalifornia State PTA Board of Managers since 2005and on the Board of Directors as a vice president and

chairman of District Presidents. Brian was president of Ninth DistrictPTA and San Diego Unified Council of PTAs. Brian worked for 21 yearsas a legislative analyst for San Diego County, after serving as aprobation officer for 11 years. Brian has been married for 31 years.

Secretary Sue King (Ninth District)Sue King has more than 35 years of experience inPTA, first serving as the ice cream chairman when herdaughter was in first grade. Sue currently serves asthe mentor for three PTA districts and has previouslyserved as the vice president for Leadership Services,

Communications and Member Services. She is also a past CaliforniaState PTA parliamentarian and California State PTA membershipchairman. Sue has been active in band boosters and youth soccer. Herfamily includes her husband Michael, two adult children, Stephanie andAndy (Brenda), and six granddaughters ages 20 to 5 years old.

Treasurer Sherry Elkington (Twenty-First District)Sherry Elkington has been active in PTA since 2000 having served on the Convention, Finance,Leadership Commissions as well as serving on theAudit Committee as the chair. Sherry has coachedjunior high girls’ volleyball for six years. She has beenmarried for 30 years and has two sons.

Appointments:

ParliamentarianKathy Stevenson (Thirty-Fourth District)Kathy Stevenson has served as convention exhibitschairman, vice chair for the Convention Commissionand as a member of the Convention SteeringCommittee, Convention Management Committee,Bylaws Committee and Resource Development

Committee. She has previously served on the Convention and FinanceCommissions, and on the Bylaws and Resource DevelopmentCommittees. Kathy has been actively involved with PTA since 1993 andhas served as an officer at the unit, council and district levels. Kathy isa registered nurse and works as a hospital emergency preparednessmanager. She resides in Santa Clarita with her husband, Craig, and hertwo sons, Casey and Connor.

Director of LegislationShayne Silva (Thirty-Second District)Shayne Silva has been a proud member of PTA for 25years and has received PTA Honorary, ContinuingService and Golden Oak Service Awards. Shayne hasserved as an advocate for the California State PTA forseven years. Prior to that time, she served six years

as an education commissioner after serving as the Thirty-SecondDistrict PTA President. She is married with two adult children and worksfull time as a psychiatric technician.


ELECTION OF THE 2015-2017 CALIFORNIA STATE PTA OFFICERS

Exhibit HallHundreds of vendors, exhibitorsand sponsors will be on hand at our convention Exhibit Hall.Check them out and get the latest information on programs and services to help strengthenyour PTA!

California State

2327 L StreetSacramento, California 95816-5014

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASSU. S. Postage

PAIDSacramento, CAPermit No. 1491

CONVENTION CHRONICLEVolume 39 – March 2015

CALIFORNIA STATE PTA2327 L Street, Sacramento 95816-5014

PH: (916) 440-1985 • FAX: (916) 440-1986Online: capta.org

Official CALL to the 116th Annual Convention ofthe California State PTA. Mailed to all unit andcouncil presidents, California State PTA Boardof Managers, past state presidents, advisoryboard members, and county superintendents.

President: Colleen A.R. YouVice President for Convention: Julie Redmond

Vice President for Communications: Patty Christiansen

Executive Director: Paul RichmanDirector, Strategic Initiatives: Michelle Eklund

Design: Pat Ruiz

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Convention Chronicle 2015

Documents

Transcript of Convention Chronicle 2015