In May, the Ed Smith PTO will hold elections for new officers. ALL Ed Smith parents and caregivers are warmly welcomed to run for election, whether or not you have participated in the past.
The current board is actively seeking diverse leadership that reflects our whole school. If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to share YOUR voice and vision. The role as officer is what you make of it and you will have plenty of support from past officers.
Contact Karly Grifasi, Julie Gozan, or Kari Zhe-Heimerman with any questions. We are happy to discuss any thoughts or concerns you have about running, as well as put you in touch with other current and past officers. Our contact info is at the bottom of this message.
About the PTO
The purpose of the Ed Smith PTO is to work to achieve a high-quality, equitable education for all of our students. All parents and guardians are automatically PTO members with full voting rights. The PTO serves as a forum for communication, support and cooperation among parents/caregivers, staff, administrators, our student body and the broader community.
The PTO holds at least six general membership meetings during the school year, and the board of officers meets several additional times per year. A brief description of each of the roles in to follow. There are more details in the PTO bylaws, available at https://www.edsmith-pto.org/pto/bylaws/
President: Presides over general membership meetings and meetings of the Board. Two-year term limit. May be split between two co-presidents.
Vice President: Supports the work of the PTO in areas such as cultural diversity and inclusion, planning, finance, fundraising and community outreach. Presides over meetings in absence of president. One year term; may serve up to two consecutive terms. May be split between two vice co-presidents.
Corresponding Secretary: Oversees communications, including meeting notices. One year term; may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Recording Secretary: Keeps the minutes of all Board, general membership and special meetings and records attendance. One year term; may serve up to two consecutive terms. May be split between two co-recording secretaries.
Treasurer: Accepts donations and maintains all funds in approved bank accounts. Presents statement of account at monthly meetings. Submits the annual PTO budget for ratification at general membership meetings. Two-year term; may serve up to two consecutive terms.
Outreach Coordinator: Leads efforts to recruit new families through mailings, postings at area preschools, open houses, tours, etc. Acts as parent ambassador to the broader community; directs participation in neighborhood and civic events. One year term; may serve consecutive terms.
Karly Grifasi—kbacker07@gmail.com
Julie Gozan—gozanj@hotmail.com
Kari Zhe-Heimerman—kari.zheheimerman@gmail.com