Laura Bay takes helm of National PTA, will focus on diversifying the association’s education platform and strengthening programs that support the whole child

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (July 6, 2015) — Laura Bay, a parent and educator from Poulsbo, Wash., has been installed as president of National PTA, the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the United States. National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Bay’s installation took place during a ceremony held in conjunction with the 2015 National PTA Convention and Expo in Charlotte, N.C.

Bay is the mother of three adopted children. She has been an engaged parent and active in PTA ever since entering a kindergarten classroom with her oldest son more than 20 years ago. After first getting involved, Bay quickly realized, and firmly believes, that in order to help her own children succeed and reach their full potential, every child needed support and needed to see that someone cares.

In addition to her personal involvement in education and PTA, Bay also brings classroom and district-level experience to her role as president. She currently works for the Bremerton School District as a coordinator for assessment and instruction, and prior to this position, was a teacher in the district.

“Laura is a dedicated and passionate advocate for education and issues affecting children, and we are thrilled to welcome her as president,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “Her outstanding leadership, extensive personal and professional experience, and steadfast commitment to the mission of PTA will strengthen the association as it continues moving forward to improve the education and well-being of all of our nation’s children.”

Bay has served in a variety of positions and at all levels of PTA. For the past two years, she served as president-elect of National PTA. Prior to her election, she served a two-year term as secretary-treasurer and served on the National PTA Board of Directors as well as the finance, field service and organizational viability committees. In 2007–2009, Bay served as president of Washington State PTA. She also served on the Washington State PTA Board of Directors for six years as region director, secretary and leadership director. Additionally, Bay was involved in local unit, council and regional PTA activities for many years.

“PTA brings together families, educators, business and community leaders to solve the toughest problems and is a powerful voice for all children from schools and local communities to state legislatures and the halls of Congress. We understand and believe that opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education, and we are committed to working for the betterment of every child, every day,” Bay said. “I am honored to lead National PTA, and I am looking forward to working with the Board of the Directors, members, partners and staff to build on the legacy of the association, ensure that all children are provided a high-quality education and make every child’s potential a reality.”

As president, Bay is committed to diversifying National PTA’s education platform, strengthening programs that support the whole child, and advocating to make sure that all children have a safe place to live, learn and thrive. She will work to enhance the association’s STEM and early learning efforts as well as college and career programs. She also will focus on engaging diverse communities in education and PTA.

Bay will serve as president of National PTA until June 2017.

National PTA is the conscience of the country for children issues. Through advocacy, as well as family and community education, National PTA has established programs and called for legislation that improves children’s lives, such as:

• Early childhood education
• Health and wellness programs
• Family engagement
• School safety
• Juvenile justice
• Arts in education

For more information about National PTA and its programs and initiatives, visit PTA.org.

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 parent involvement 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.