ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 22, 2016) — National PTA is pleased to announce that PTA leader Lisa Mack is participating this week on the U.S. Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking committee for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). With the new law, the U.S. Department of Education is required to go through the “negotiated rulemaking” process on standards, assessments and how states and districts spend their own funds in relation to federal money. Mack is one of only 15 people selected to serve on the committee and is representing parents and students, including historically underserved students.

“Lisa is a strong advocate for education, children and families, and we are proud that she has been named to the U.S. Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking committee—an important next step in the successful implementation of ESSA,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “Lisa’s outstanding leadership, dedication, passion and experience will be tremendous assets to the committee and on behalf of families and students nationwide.”  

Mack has been active in PTA for 23 years and has held leadership positions at the local, state and national levels. She served as a district advisor, vice president of leadership, state president-elect and state president for Ohio PTA. She also chaired Ohio PTA’s Mosaic Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is currently a member of National PTA’s Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Committee. In addition to her participation in PTA, Mack has been involved in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District as well as with the Ohio Department of Education.

During the negotiated rulemaking process, committee members will meet at least twice at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. At these meetings, committee members will discuss updated regulations for academic standards, assessments and supplement funds to reflect changes included in ESSA. The committee and negotiated rulemaking process are designed to give everyone with a stake a chance to provide input and try to reach agreement.  

The negotiated rulemaking committee will meet March 21-23 and April 6-8. For more information, visit ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/index.html.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.