A Message from California State PTA President Heather Ippolito
Welcome to summer! As you leave your school campuses for pool days, vacations, and family time, don’t forget to take some time to celebrate all of your wins this school year. You have spent the entire year helping families feel more connected to your school and putting on programming for students and their families to enjoy together. You have raised funds for things not covered by your school’s budget and advocated on behalf of students in your community.
At the state level we have been busy this year! Here is our year in numbers:
- 522,717 PTA memberships across the state
- $34,000 in high school senior scholarships given out
- $26,176 in program grants awarded to units and councils
- $23,000 in leadership development grants allocated to 23 PTA Districts
- $3,000 conferred in continuing education grants
- 800 delegates, vendors, and guests at the Fres-Yes convention
- 154 attendees at the Legislation Conference in 2026
- 82 members of the Board of Managers
- 69 workshops provided to Councils and Districts via field service requests
- 14 Board of Directors
- 10 PTA Connects newsletters filled with 76 articles to help our local leaders thrive
For those leaders who are concluding your PTA service at your unit, council or district, thank you for all of the work you have done! If you ever want to return, there will be lots of opportunities for you.
For the leaders who are continuing their PTA journey, take the summer to relax and recharge. Attend training at your local council or district and explore National PTA’s Thrive modules. Investing in learning now can help make the year ahead more successful and less stressful.
For the brand-new leaders who are coming on board, welcome! PTA is an amazing advocacy organization with a nearly 130-year legacy of serving children, youth and families. We are excited to have you join us as we continue this important work together!
Heather Ippolito
California State PTA President