Interest: Press Releases + News

California State PTA Statement on Loss of SNAP Benefits

November 1, 2025

California State PTA stands with National PTA and hundreds of PTAs across the nation in expressing deep concern over the suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. As of today, 5.5 million Californians—including hundreds of thousands of children—have lost access to critical food assistance due to the federal government shutdown.

California PTA’s mission is to advocate for the education, health, safety, and well-being of every child. Food security is foundational to fulfilling this mission. Children cannot reach their full potential when they are hungry. Research clearly shows that food insecurity leads to lower academic achievement, behavioral challenges, and decreased school readiness. When children don’t have enough to eat, they cannot arrive at school ready to learn with healthy minds and bodies.

While California’s universal school meals program ensures students receive free breakfast and lunch during school days, SNAP provides families with resources to feed their children dinner, on weekends, during holidays, and throughout the summer. The loss of these benefits creates a critical gap that will directly impact students’ ability to learn and thrive.

California PTA joins National PTA in urging Congress and administration officials to immediately release the nearly $6 billion in SNAP contingency reserve funds appropriated for emergencies and utilize existing flexibilities to ensure continued benefit distribution without impacting other critical nutrition programs.

Advocating for children’s nutrition is not political—it is central to PTA’s mission. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that starts with having enough to eat. California PTA remains committed to supporting our communities and advocating for policies that ensure all children can succeed.

California PTA will continue to provide resources and guidance to our local units as this situation develops.

Declaración de la PTA del Estado de California Sobre la Pérdida de los Beneficios del SNAP

1º de noviembre de 2025

La PTA del Esta California se une a la PTA Nacional y a cientos de PTAs del todo el país para expresar su profunda preocupación por la suspensión de los beneficios del SNAP (Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria). A día de hoy, 5.5 millones de Californianos, incluyendo cientos de miles de niños, han perdido el acceso a esta ayuda alimentaria esencial debido al cierre del gobierno federal.

La misión de la PTA del Estado de California es defender la educación, la salud, la seguridad y el bienestar de todos los niños. La seguridad alimentaria es fundamental para cumplir esta misión. Los niños no pueden alcanzar su máximo potencial cuando tienen hambre. Las investigaciones demuestran claramente que la inseguridad alimentaria conlleva a un menor rendimiento académico, problemas de conducta y una menor preparación escolar. Cuando los niños no tienen suficiente para comer, no pueden llegar a la escuela preparados para aprender con una mente y un cuerpo sanos.

Si bien el programa universal de comidas escolares de California garantiza que los estudiantes reciban desayuno y almuerzo gratuitos durante los días escolares, el SNAP proporciona a las familias recursos para alimentar a sus hijos en la cena, los fines de semana, durante las vacaciones y a lo largo del verano. La pérdida de estos beneficios crea una brecha crítica que afectará directamente la capacidad de los estudiantes para aprender y prosperar.

La PTA del Estado de California se une a la PTA Nacional para instar al Congreso y a los funcionarios de la administración a que liberen de inmediato los casi $6 mil millones de dólares en fondos de reserva de contingencia del SNAP, asignados para emergencias, y que utilicen las flexibilidades existentes para garantizar la continuidad de la distribución de beneficios sin afectar a otros programas de nutrición esenciales.

Abogar por la nutrición infantil no es un asunto político, sino un pilar fundamental de la misión de la PTA. Todo niño merece la oportunidad de prosperar, y eso comienza con tener suficiente para comer. La PTA del Estado California mantiene su compromiso de apoyar a nuestras comunidades y abogar por políticas que garanticen el éxito de todos los niños.

La PTA del Estado de California seguirá brindando recursos y orientación a nuestras unidades locales a medida que esta situación evolucione.

California State PTA Statement on Immigration Enforcement in Schools

California State PTA expresses urgent concern about immigration enforcement tactics that threaten the educational well-being of all children in California schools.

In January 2025, the federal government rescinded policies that protected schools from immigration enforcement actions. Since then, immigration agents have attempted to access school grounds, appeared in school parking lots, and conducted enforcement near educational facilities throughout California. Reports document agents targeting children at elementary schools, in school drop-off areas, during field trips, and at graduation ceremonies. Of particular concern, these enforcement actions increasingly involve masked agents in plain clothes who refuse to properly identify themselves, creating additional fear and confusion for children, families, and school staff.

These enforcement tactics create fear that fundamentally undermines children’s ability to learn and thrive. An estimated 1 million children, one out of every six,  in California have at least one undocumented parent, but the impact extends far beyond these families. Educators report that 92% of K-12 teachers state that enforcement concerns have impacted their overall classroom climate, directly and indirectly affecting all students’ ability to learn. The trauma and anxiety created by immigration enforcement in schools creates a ripple effect that diminishes the educational experience for all students, regardless of their immigration status. They also hamper the creation of the positive, constructive relationships between families and schools that are essential for a strong, inclusive school community. 

Educational Impact

Schools must be safe spaces for learning where every child can thrive, not places of fear. When immigration enforcement occurs at schools—particularly involving masked, unidentified agents—it impacts all students by:

  • Decreasing attendance and parent participation across the entire school community
  • Disrupting classroom learning and concentration for every student
  • Reducing school funding tied to attendance which affects resources for all children
  • Creating trauma and anxiety that can spread throughout the school environment
  • Undermining children’s fundamental trust in the safety and security of their learning spaces

California has responded with state legislation and Attorney General guidance to protect students, but federal action is needed to fully safeguard educational environments.

Our Call to Action

The California State PTA calls upon the federal government to:

  • Immediately restore protections for educational settings, including schools, school-related activities, pickup/drop-off zones, and school bus stops.
  • Guarantee safe access to education for all children without fear of immigration enforcement consequences.
  • Protect student confidentiality and prohibit sharing of educational records for immigration enforcement purposes.
  • Require proper identification and transparency by mandating that any law enforcement personnel operating near schools clearly identify themselves and prohibit the use of face coverings that obscure identity.
  • Preserve classroom learning environments by ending enforcement actions that create fear and trauma, affecting all students’ educational experience.

Our Commitment

Every child in every classroom deserves to attend school without fear. Education is a constitutional right, and schools are sacred spaces for learning and growth for all students. The California State PTA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the educational welfare of every child, foster family engagement, and ensures that all students can reach their full potential in safe, supportive learning environments.

The time for action is now—every day we delay is another day children lose access to the fear-free education that is fundamental to their development and our community’s future.

The California State PTA represents over 500,000 members working to positively impact the lives of all children and families.

Declaración de la PTA del Estado de California sobre el Control de la Ley de Inmigración en las Escuelas

La PTA del Estado de California expresa su urgente preocupación por las tácticas de Control de la ley de Inmigración que amenazan el bienestar educativo de todos los niños en las escuelas de California.

En enero de 2025, el gobierno federal derogó las políticas que protegían a las escuelas de las medidas de control migratorio. Desde entonces, agentes de inmigración han intentado acceder a las instalaciones escolares, se han presentado en los estacionamientos escolares y han realizado operativos de control cerca de centros educativos en toda California. Los informes documentan la presencia de agentes que se enfocan en niños en escuelas primarias, en las zonas donde los niños arriban a la escuela, durante las excursiones escolares y en las ceremonias de graduación. Es especialmente preocupante que estas medidas de control involucren cada vez más a agentes enmascarados vestidos de civil que se niegan a identificarse adecuadamente, lo que genera mayor temor y confusión en los niños, las familias y el personal escolar.

Estas tácticas de control generan temor que mina fundamentalmente la capacidad de los niños para aprender y prosperar. Se estima que un millón de niños, uno de cada seis, en California tiene al menos un padre indocumentado, pero el impacto se extiende mucho más allá de estas familias. Los educadores informan que el 92 % del profesorado de primaria y secundaria afirma que las preocupaciones sobre el control de la ley han afectado el clima general del aula, afectando directa e indirectamente la capacidad de aprendizaje de todos los estudiantes. El trauma y la ansiedad que generan las medidas de control migratorio en las escuelas tienen un efecto dominó que perjudica la experiencia educativa de todos los estudiantes, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Además, dificultan el desarrollo de relaciones positivas y constructivas entre las familias y las escuelas, esenciales para una comunidad escolar sólida e inclusiva.

Impacto Educativo

Las escuelas deben ser espacios seguros de aprendizaje donde todos los niños puedan prosperar, no lugares de miedo. Cuando se aplican medidas de control migratorio en las escuelas, en particular con agentes enmascarados y no identificados, impacta a todos los estudiantes al:

  • Disminución de la asistencia escolar y la participación de los padres en toda la comunidad escolar
  • Interrupción del aprendizaje y la concentración en el aula de cada estudiante
  • Reducción de la financiación escolar vinculada a la asistencia, lo que afecta los recursos para todos los niños
  • Generación de trauma y ansiedad que pueden propagarse por todo el entorno escolar
  • Impedir la confianza fundamental de los niños en la seguridad y protección de sus espacios de aprendizaje

California ha respondido con legislación estatal y directrices del Fiscal General para proteger a los estudiantes, pero se necesita la acción federal para salvaguardar plenamente los entornos educativos.

Llamado a la Acción

La PTA del Estado de California hace un llamado al gobierno federal a.

  • Restablecer de inmediato las protecciones para los entornos educativos, incluyendo escuelas, actividades escolares, zonas donde se recogen y dejan alumnos y paradas de autobús escolar.
  • Garantizar el acceso seguro a la educación para todos los niños sin temor a consecuencias migratorias.
  • Proteger la confidencialidad de los estudiantes y prohibir la divulgación de expedientes educativos con fines migratorios.
  • Exigir la identificación y transparencia adecuadas, exigiendo que todo el personal policial que opere cerca de las escuelas se identifique claramente y prohibir el uso de mascarillas que oculten la identidad.
  • Preservar los entornos de aprendizaje en las aulas poniendo fin a las medidas represivas que generan miedo y trauma, afectando la experiencia educativa de todos los estudiantes.

Nuestro Compromiso

Todos los niños en todas las aulas merecen asistir a la escuela sin miedo. La educación es un derecho constitucional, y las escuelas son espacios sagrados para el aprendizaje y el crecimiento de todos los estudiantes. La PTA del Estado de California seguirá abogando por políticas que prioricen el bienestar educativo de cada niño, fomenten la participación familiar y garanticen que todos los estudiantes puedan alcanzar su máximo potencial en entornos de aprendizaje seguros y de apoyo.

Es hora de actuar ya – cada día que demoramos es un día más  que los niños pierdan el acceso a una educación sin miedo, fundamental para su desarrollo y el futuro de nuestra comunidad.

La PTA del Estado de California representa a más de 500,000 miembros que trabajan para impactar positivamente las vidas de todos los niños y familias.

New President at California State PTA

July 1, 2025 – SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Heather Ippolito, President and the 2025-2027 California State PTA Board of Directors take office for their two-year term. The incoming board is one of the most diverse and geographically spread across California bringing their passion for the PTA mission to positively impact the lives of all children and families.

Ippolito is thrilled to lead 560,000+ members who make up the largest volunteer-led child advocacy organization in California. This board of directors is excited to continue the advocacy work of PTA  to support our schools and families so that every student in California has the opportunity to succeed tomorrow and each day after.

Together, the 2025-2027 Board of Directors will work towards guiding the leadership and membership of the organization to the drumbeat of “Every Child. One Voice.” Ippolito has served as a volunteer at the unit, council, district, and state levels of PTA bringing her 25 years of experience to guide this board. She hopes to focus on advocating to benefit the lives of ALL children and families across the state. Ippolito plans to positively impact our communities by building leadership capacity at all levels to support families, and most importantly, our children during these tumultuous and uncertain times.

“I am proud to serve as your California State PTA President for the next two years, to lead by example and to create a vision for how our work should be member-focused and mission-driven,” said Ippolito. “We can do so much if we focus on the mission that unites us as we work TODAY, TOMORROW, TOGETHER.”

Ippolito began her teaching career in Santa Clarita, California, where she taught first, fifth, and sixth grade. She holds a teaching credential, an administrative credential, and two master’s degrees – one in curriculum development and the other in educational administration. She is a proud mother of Liliana and wife of her high-school sweetheart, Ron.

In her role as President, Ippolito will chair the 2025-2027 Board of Directors. Visit our website to read more about our Board of Directors.

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to 560,000+ members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state, and proudly serve over 6 million school aged children.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Josiah Kitonga, Executive Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org 

Eric Thompson, Vice President for Communications
ethompson@capta.org

 

Welcome to the 2025-2026 PTA Term!

Dear PTA Member,

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Board of Directors who will be serving you this year.

We all began our PTA journey at a unit like yours. I began as a teacher who volunteered to serve as the yearbook chair. Eric began as a student representative to his PTSA. Leslie joined the PTA when her kids began elementary school. Every single member of the State board has served in various PTA positions in unit, council, and district leadership. We’ve celebrated Reflections winners, we’ve helped our units win membership awards, and we’ve had our fair share of PTA challenges.

This board is committed to doing all that we can to make your PTA life easier. We’ve already met to reimagine and revise our summer mailer to make it more useful to you. We are working on re-establishing an e-bylaws system where you can submit your bylaws updates with a click of a mouse. We are brainstorming some amazing programming for the 2026 Convention in Fresno April 30-May 3, 2026. Stay tuned to our capta.org website and social media channels for all of the latest news – you won’t want to miss a thing!

We would love to hear from you as we continue to plan for the upcoming term. Complete this survey to let us know what programs, training opportunities, and services would be helpful to you. Encourage your board to share their thoughts too – the more feedback we get, the better we will be at designing programs to meet your needs.

Here’s to a wonderful term.

Today, Tomorrow, Together!

Sincerely,

Heather Ippolito
California State PTA President

Visit capta.org/board-of-directors to read about our Board of Directors.

California State PTA Supports All Children and Families

As we start a new year, we are reminded that as California State PTA, we are united in supporting all children and families.

  • Our members represent the great diversity of California.

  • We speak many languages.

  • We celebrate many cultures and religions.

  • We may call ourselves liberals or conservatives.

As PTA members, we believe that whatever the background of a child and family, we are united in improving their health, welfare, and education.

California State PTA first took a position on the Rights and Services for Undocumented Children and Children of Undocumented Immigrants in 1994. Since then, PTA has consistently defended the right of every child to a “quality public education, adequate food and shelter, and basic health services.” Our position statement affirms that schools are meant to be safe spaces where children can learn and grow without fear. Likewise, schools must be safe places for families to support their children’s education.

It is in the interest of all Californians to ensure that all children can reach their full potential and become productive members of society. Access to free public education is the most effective method of securing this opportunity and should not be denied to any child.

In recent guidance to schools, the California Attorney General underscores that both federal and state law support these PTA beliefs. The law says that “schools must provide free public education to all students regardless of their immigration status and regardless of the citizenship status of the student’s parents or guardians.”

We know that many of our communities fear and are anxious about the future of our children and families. Because of concerns for their safety and well-being, we are sending guidance to the hundreds of thousands of PTA members in California. We aim to help you understand student and family rights and identify where help is available if needed.

Please share with your PTA members.

Guidance & Resources

La PTA Del Estado De California Apoya a Todos Los Niños y Familias

Al comenzar un nuevo año, recordemos que, como la PTA del Estado de California, estamos unidos para apoyar a todos los niños y las familias.

  • Nuestros miembros representan la gran diversidad de California.
  • Hablamos muchos idiomas.
  • Celebramos muchas culturas y religiones.
  • Podemos llamarnos liberales o conservadores.

Como miembros de la PTA, creemos que, independientemente de los antecedentes de un niño y de su familia, estamos unidos para mejorar su salud, bienestar y educación.

La PTA del Estado de California adoptó por primera vez una postura sobre los Derechos y Servicios para Niños Indocumentados e Hijos de Inmigrantes Indocumentados en 1994. Desde entonces, la PTA ha defendido constantemente el derecho de cada niño a una “educación pública de calidad, alimentación y vivienda adecuada y servicios básicos de la salud.” Nuestra declaración de postura afirma que las escuelas deben ser espacios seguros donde los niños puedan aprender y crecer sin miedo. Asimismo, las escuelas deben ser lugares seguros para que las familias apoyen la educación de sus hijos.

A todos los californianos les conviene garantizar que todos los niños puedan alcanzar su máximo potencial y convertirse en miembros productivos de la sociedad. El acceso a la educación pública gratuita es el método más eficaz para garantizar esta oportunidad y no se le debe negar a ningún niño.

En una reciente guía para las escuelas, el Fiscal General de California subraya que tanto la ley federal como la estatal respaldan estas creencias de la PTA. La ley dice que “las escuelas deben proporcionar educación pública gratuita a todos los estudiantes independientemente de su estatus migratorio y del estatus de ciudadanía de los padres o tutores del estudiante.”

Sabemos que muchas de nuestras comunidades temen y están ansiosas por el futuro de nuestros niños y familias. Debido a la preocupación por su seguridad y bienestar, estamos enviando una guía a los cientos de miles de miembros de la PTA en California. Nuestro objetivo es ayudarle a comprender y conocer los derechos de los estudiantes y las familias e identificar dónde hay ayuda disponible si la necesita.

Comparta esta información con los miembros de su PTA.

Guía

California State PTA Unveils Bold Advocacy Goals for the 2023-2025 Term

September 13, 2023 – California State PTA is honoring its advocacy origins. Like the PTA founders who first met over 125 years ago to discuss issues affecting children, PTA representatives from throughout the state of California recently met to discuss issues affecting children and families. The organization adopted advocacy goals ranging from expanding civic engagement to enacting common sense gun control to safeguarding the well-being of children and families.

Kathleen Fay, California State PTA Legislation Director for the 2023-2025 term, said “With these forward-looking advocacy goals in place, the association is poised to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, whether it be promoting informed family engagement or providing support for vulnerable youth.”

At the quarterly meeting of the state’s Board of Managers, leaders from throughout California voted to advocate for legislation, policies, and measures that:

  • safeguard the health, safety, welfare, culture, and well-being of children and families, including mental health services and support for vulnerable youth;
  • promote evidence-based, informed family engagement;
  • expand civic engagement, learning, and participation;
  • enact common sense gun control.

In addition, the advocacy goals include providing programs, expertise, and resources to support and expand PTA advocacy at the local level.

Affirming the state organization’s dedication to local PTA leaders, Shereen Walter, California State PTA President for the 2023-2025 term, said “California State PTA reaffirms its commitment to support and enhance the advocacy efforts of our local leaders. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by communities across the state, the association aims to empower local PTAs with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for positive change within their respective regions.”

About California State PTA:

California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Barbara Smith
Vice President for Communications
bsmith@capta.org

California State PTA Prepares to Address New Challenges

September 12, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – California State PTA, the state’s oldest and largest child advocacy organization, is looking to the future. Anticipating new challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, the statewide leadership has adopted goals for more effectively helping the 3000-plus local PTAs support all the children, families, and schools in their communities.
Shereen Walter, California State PTA President for the 2023-2025 term, explained that the new goals include strategic planning to align the PTA’s vision with emerging trends, technologies, and educational needs.

“Our association aims to continue its leadership as we adapt parental involvement and advocacy to fit the evolving landscape of education,” Walter said. “We are committed to supporting educational excellence and the welfare of all children and families by strengthening PTA’s impact through strategic partnerships, innovative advocacy campaigns, and data-driven initiatives.”
Walter added that California State PTA is also committed to cultivating an inclusive organization that recognizes the diverse communities its local associations serve. “Everyone’s voice needs to be heard and valued.”

Every PTA is a membership organization. PTA thus is focused on sustaining an outstanding membership base and expanding its reach throughout the state.
“Our membership is our strength,” said Heather Ippolito, California State PTA President-Elect. “To keep attracting and retaining a diverse community of individuals, and helping our local PTAs to do the same, we will continue looking for ways to enhance member benefits, connect people throughout the state, and provide helpful content and training to our local leaders. Our goal is to train, develop, and support a robust network of leaders who will carry the work of PTA forward for decades to come.”
Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to education, California State PTA is poised to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families across the state.

About California State PTA:

California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Barbara Smith
Vice President for Communications
bsmith@capta.org

Shereen Walter Begins Two-Year Term as President of California State PTA

July 5, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – Shereen Walter, a passionate advocate for all children and families, began her term as California State PTA President on July 1, 2023. Walter was elected to the 2023-25 term of office. In her new role, she will chair the Board of Directors and be the Chief Executive Officer of the California State PTA. Walter now leads the largest volunteer-led child advocacy association in California as it strives to improve the health, safety, education, and welfare of the state’s nine million children.

A resident of Orange County and mother of three adult children, Walter has volunteered in various PTA roles for over twenty years. Her service with PTA has included roles at the local, regional, and state levels, including a local PTA unit president, council treasurer, and district Vice President for Legislative Advocacy, and at the state as Vice President for Health and Community Concerns, Director of Legislation, and President-Elect.

“I can’t think of anything more important than advocating for the health, safety, and education of all of our children,” said Walter. “We know that when families and schools work together, all children benefit. I look forward to leading this organization which is dedicated to championing the rights and needs of children and families in California.”

Walter’s work with PTA has been focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, advocating for California’s most vulnerable children and promoting mental health awareness. During her two-year term as president, she hopes to support and encourage new leaders, expand its membership, and advocate at all levels for every child with the largest, most inclusive voice possible.

“Shereen brings a wealth of experience to the role of President and CEO of the California State PTA,” said Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director of California State PTA. “I’m confident her experience, dedication, and commitment to the children and families of California will take us to the next level of growth and impact for the organization.”

Walter has a bachelor’s degree in geophysical engineering and an MBA from the University of California, Irvine. In addition to her volunteer role, she is a small business owner and is the president of a local non-profit youth football club.

Walter looks forward to leading an outstanding Board of Directors during the 2023–2025 term:

  • Shereen Walter, President
  • Heather Ippolito, President-elect (2025-27)
  • Laura Hawk-Loya, Vice President for Leadership Services
  • Ellen Torres, Vice President for Membership Services
  • Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
  • Will Stanford, Vice President for Convention
  • Houri Khatchadorian, Vice President for Health & Community Concerns
  • Jesus Holguin, Vice President for Education
  • Anita Avrick, Vice President for Family Engagement
  • Kathleen Fay, Director of Legislation
  • Leslie Powell, Secretary
  • Linda Pfeifer, Treasurer
  • Becca Marks-Anderson, Parliamentarian
  • Melanie Lucas, Chair of the District Presidents
  • Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

Media Contacts:
Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org

Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
(213) 393-6285
bsmith@capta.org

California State PTA Announces New Managing Director Hire

June 30, 2023 – SACRAMENTO, CA – California State PTA, a leading advocate for the education, health, and well-being of children and families, is pleased to announce the appointment of Josiah Kitonga as its new Managing Director. With a strong background in non-profit management, Kitonga brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating positive change in the lives of children and families.

In Kitonga, California State PTA has found a collaborative and visionary leader who will work closely with the Board of Directors to drive strategic direction and ensure the continuity of the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. As the Managing Director, Kitonga will oversee the organization’s day-to-day functions, lead the organization’s staff, and collaborate with volunteers and partners to advance California State PTA’s mission.

With a track record of success in operations, program management, fundraising, and community relations, Kitonga brings unique skills and expertise to the position. He has demonstrated a commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive environments, building solid partnerships, and implementing innovative strategies for organizational growth. Kitonga has a proven ability to lead high-performance teams, navigate complex challenges, and drive sustainable performance.

“Hiring our new Managing Director, Josiah Kitonga marks an exciting chapter for California State PTA,” said Carol Green, 2021-2023 President. “His experience and dedication to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide our association in positively impacting the lives of children and families across California.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Josiah to the organization,” said Shereen Walter, 2021-2023 President-Elect. “His enthusiasm, communication, and leadership skills will help our organization continue to thrive. I look forward to working together to strengthen the California State PTAs’ advocacy efforts, expand programs and services, and build strategic partnerships to address the organization’s evolving needs.”

“It is a privilege to join the organization at a time when California’s children, youth, and families need the support of the PTA more than ever,” said Kitonga. “I am ready to work collaboratively with the board and staff to help the California State PTA amplify its voice and increase its reach for the betterment of all children and families throughout California.”

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families.

Media Contacts:
Josiah Kitonga, Managing Director
(916) 465-8600
jkitonga@capta.org

Barbara Smith, Vice President for Communications
(213) 393-6285
bsmith@capta.org

California State PTA Applauds the Education Package Signed by the Governor July 2021

SACRAMENTO, JULY 12, 2021 – California State PTA has released the following statement in response to the education package signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, July 9, 2021:

“This education package is great news for students and families in California,” said Carol Green, President of California State PTA. “There is a lot to celebrate in the $123.9 billion PreK-TK–K-12 education package. It includes funding for top PTA priorities including early childhood education, community schools and wrap-around services, universal school nutrition, and mental health services. PTA also supports the return to in-person instruction that includes a robust option for students who may need distance learning for health or other reasons.”

The safe return to in-person instruction is a priority for PTA members, and this budget prioritizes the safe return to in-person learning. As an organization that advocates for all children, including our most vulnerable, PTA wants to ensure that an option for quality distance learning also exists. We are pleased the Independent Study program is vastly improved under this plan and includes some of our recommendations, including standards aligned instruction, synchronous learning, access to college and career readiness courses, and stronger communication with students and families.

“We are also thrilled with the investment in universal transitional kindergarten for all four-year-olds by 2025.” Green added. “California State PTA has been advocating for this for years. We know this will go a long way toward closing opportunity and achievement gaps for future generations.”

The trauma of the pandemic highlighted inequities across our society. PTA continues to advocate for all children and families across California, and we are proud to be part of a process to bring a historic budget into reality.

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health and well-being of all children and families. For more information, visit www.capta.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Robin Klau
Vice President for Communications
communications@capta.org
925.380.1591

Sherry Skelly Griffith
Executive Director
sgriffith@capta.org
916.955.1699