Media Contacts:

Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Communications
communications@capta.org

Ignacio Barragan, Assistant Executive Director
ibarragan@capta.org / 916.440.1985

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 4, 2019 – National PTA President Leslie Boggs and California State PTA President Celia Jaffe issued the following statement regarding the wildfires in California:

“PTA is deeply concerned for all our members and the families, schools and communities affected by the wildfires across California. We empathize with and stand ready to support those dealing with loss of property, safety and routines.

“As the oldest and largest child advocacy association in the U.S., it is our duty to help families and school communities as they rebuild and recover. We remain committed to doing everything we can to assist those affected and help restore learning environments as quickly as possible.

“PTA offers resources to help families and educators have conversations with children to help them deal with emotions of fear, confusion, sadness and anger they may feel after incidents like the wildfires. These resources and other tips can be accessed at PTA.org.

“PTA also offers a Disaster Relief Fund to respond to tragedies that grievously disrupt a school or education system. We encourage PTAs and schools impacted by the wildfires, blackout and school closures to apply for support from the fund. We also urge everyone to donate to the fund to help support PTAs and schools in need.

“PTA members work every day to give our children, families and school communities what they need to thrive. Following this type of event, our mission becomes that much more important. And as Thanksgiving approaches, the need to give has never been greater. We know we can count on our PTA members across the country to help meet the needs caused by the wildfires.”

Media Contacts:

Ignacio Barragan, Assistant Executive Director
ibarragan@capta.org / (714) 423-0716

Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Communications
hippolito@capta.org

SACRAMENTO – Celia Jaffe, a resident of Huntington Beach, is the new president of California State PTA, leading the association of over 700,000 members in advocating for the education, health and welfare of California’s 9 million children.

Jaffe was elected to the 2019-21 term of office, which began on July 1. In her new role, Jaffe will serve as chief executive officer of the California State PTA and chair of the Board of Directors. California State PTA is the nation’s largest and highest profile child-advocacy organization and strives to connect families, schools and communities.

Jaffe has spent her entire life working with and for children and supporting public education, including teaching high school English and serving as a school board trustee.

“PTAs all over California strive to build connections between families and schools and to fight for the well-being of all children, and I am excited to support and enhance those important efforts. California State PTA also brings the advocacy voice of our membership to policy-makers at all levels, and I cherish that role as well,” said Jaffe.

Jaffe has served the PTA at the local, regional, and state levels in many roles, including president of Fourth District PTA (Orange County) and statewide vice president for education. Her work with PTA has been focused on helping parents to understand the new state dashboard, advocating for a full-curriculum and and empowering schools and families to work together.

She and her husband have two adult children, and she has been involved in PTA since they were in elementary school.

“I see the positive results PTA makes in local communities where families are truly partners in educating our children, and the voice that PTA has in Sacramento making a difference for all kids,” said Jaffe. “The best byproduct of participating in PTA all these years is working alongside wonderful people who give of themselves in this volunteer organization.”

California State PTA has a long tradition of speaking up and speaking out on behalf of all children and families at national, state, regional and local levels. Joining your local PTA is a great way to support your child’s education. Learn more at www.capta.org/join.

2019 – 2021 California State PTA Board of Directors

• Celia Jaffe, President
• Carol Green, President-elect
• Maria Steck, Vice President for Leadership Services
• Michael Morgan, Vice President for Membership Services
• Heather Ippolito, Vice President for Communications
• Heidi Goddi, Vice President for Convention
• Mariaelena Huizar, Vice President for Health & Community Concerns
• Lea Darrah, Vice President for Education
• Deborah Johnson, Vice President for Family Engagement
• Jeff Price, Secretary
• Melinda Kirkland, Treasurer
• Tim Davidson, Parliamentarian
• Shereen Walter, Director of Legislation
• Otis Cross, Chair of the District Presidents
• Sherry Skelly Griffith, Executive Director