Laura Bay

Laura Bay was elected and installed as the National PTA^® Secretary-Treasurer at the June 2011 National PTA Convention. Prior to her election, she served a two-year term on the National PTA Board of Directors and on the finance and the field service committees. In 2007–2009 she also served on the organizational viability committee for National PTA. Bay is a passionate advocate for education and children’s issues and believes that PTA^® is the organization which actively supports and promotes parent, teacher, and community involvement in child/education issues.

Ever since entering a kindergarten classroom with her oldest son 19 years ago—Bay’s dedication to PTA has become a passion. Bay was involved in local unit, council, and regional PTA activities for many years and served in a variety of PTA positions—from committee member/chair to president. She was also an active parent at each school building and at the district level— serving as a parent voice at staff meetings and on budget committees. She believes that the power of this association is found in the passionate and diverse volunteers who share a common desire to reach out and engage parents; support their community in voicing their needs concerning education and health/safety issues; and grow as leaders prepared to advocate anywhere and at any time.

As the Washington State PTA president in 2007–2009, Bay focused on developing leadership potential at all levels of PTA and facilitated the search and hiring of a new executive director. Also, during her tenure as president she led the Washington State PTA in collaborating with other organizations in the successful passage of Engrossed House Joint Resolution (EHJR) 4204—Simple Majority Initiative. She also provided testimony before state senate and house committees, led a rally on the capitol steps, and dedicated her time and energy in a statewide PTA campaign which led to the signing of HB 2261 (Basic Education Funding) with fellow education stake-holder organizations. Prior to serving as state president, Bay served on the Washington State PTA Board of Directors for six years as region director, secretary, and leadership director.

Bay and her husband Robert Bay have three adult children—Andrew, Matthew, and Celeste. She has worked for the Bremerton School District as an educator for the last 10 years and currently works in the district office as a coordinator for assessment and instruction. Bay and her husband make their home in Poulsbo, Washington where they enjoy time with family and friends.