California Woman to Lead National PTA

First Californian in 50 years to take helm

CHICAGO (June 25, 2007)—Jan Harp Domene of Anaheim, Calif., will become the 50th national president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) during a special ceremony at the 111th PTA National Convention & Exhibition this weekend in St. Louis.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to expand my commitment to children and public education as the president of an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of all parents and children across the country,” said Domene.

During her two-year term as president, Domene plans to raise the level of parent involvement nationwide by increasing PTA membership and strengthening outreach to diverse communities; focus on ensuring the inclusion of PTA’s recommendations for the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act; continue to build PTA’s parent involvement programs and partnerships; and to connect parents and engage families by providing them with the knowledge they need to be advocates for their children.

“Parents and children need our participation and encouragement to succeed,” said Domene. “With the support of more than five million members, PTA will continue to develop programs and new resources to help parents raise successful, healthy kids. Our vision is to “make every child’s potential a reality.”

A member of the PTA for 31 years, Domene has served the past two years as national president-elect. Her extensive PTA resume features terms as California PTA president (2001-2003), PTA National Board of Directors member (2001), and PTA national secretary-treasurer. She succeeds Anna Weselak as the organization’s president.

Other PTA national officers will also be installed at the convention: Chuck Saylors of Taylors, S.C., will become PTA’s first-ever male national president-elect and Betsy Landers of Germantown, Tenn., will become the national secretary-treasurer. More than 1,200 PTA members will be at the national convention to address current issues facing families and school communities.

About PTA
PTA comprises more than 5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.