Oct 7th General Meeting Recap
Stillwater PTSA held its first General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the school year on October 7th, with 16 members in attendance! The majority were attending their very first PTSA GMM, and it was wonderful to see so many new faces!
Here’s a recap of what was covered:
📅 President’s Update & What’s Ahead
PTSA President Lindsey shared an overview of planned events and activities for the remainder of the school year, along with some important changes based on feedback received last year. Check out our calendar of events if you haven’t yet: https://stillwaterptsa.org/calendar/
Two major themes emerged from last year’s surveys that have shaped some strategic changes in the PTSA:
- Staff Survey: A desire to rethink the PTSA’s fundraising approach.
- Community Survey: A need for improved communication.
The board took that feedback seriously and has been working to address both areas!
📣 Improving Communication: The PTSA recruited a Communications Chair (thank you, Leia! 👏) and is working toward sharing volunteer opportunities and event details 3–4 weeks before events whenever possible. The team is also expanding its communication efforts across multiple channels, including email, social media, the PTSA website, and posters around the school, to help ensure families have more opportunities to stay informed and get involved.
💰 Rethinking Fundraising: This year, Stillwater PTSA is moving from two donation-based fundraisers to just ONE! With the Fundraising Chair position vacant at the start of the year, the board partnered with Stillwater administration to move forward with Boosterthon, a third-party fundraising company. The fundraiser will take place in February. The great news? The PTSA now has a Fundraising Chair! 🎉 She’ll help coordinate Boosterthon and explore additional smaller-scale fundraising opportunities throughout the year.
🙋♀️ Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
While great progress has been made filling leadership positions, the PTSA still needs help with:
- Membership Chair
- Spring Break Online Challenge
- Communications Team Support
Lindsey also shared her personal goal of building the next generation of PTSA leadership over the next two years, creating opportunities for fresh ideas, new perspectives, and renewed energy within the organization.
She emphasized that families don’t have to join the leadership team to make a difference! Volunteering at events, attending membership meetings, and helping when possible are all valuable ways to support the school community.
📊 Treasurer’s Report & Budget Updates
PTSA Treasurer Heidi shared a recap of last year’s financials and an update on the current year’s budget.
Members also voted to approve several budget adjustments, primarily related to the shift in fundraising strategy.
The results of the PTSA’s year-end financial audit were also shared.
🏫 Meet Stillwater’s Interim Principal!
The PTSA was excited to welcome Kyle Hutchinson, Stillwater’s new interim principal! Kyle joins Stillwater from Tolt Middle School, where he served as Vice Principal, and brings previous experience working in elementary schools. As for his favorite football team? Families will have to ask him themselves! 😉🏈
💙 Membership Update
Stillwater PTSA is currently at 158 members toward its goal of 240! Membership continues to be an important area of focus, and filling the Membership Chair position is a priority. Having dedicated leadership in this area will help the PTSA reach more families, grow membership, and strengthen the organization.
📣 Advocacy Update
Advocacy Chair Matthew shared that he’ll be attending the Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly later this month. He also encouraged families to get involved by attending Riverview School Board meetings and exploring opportunities to participate in the various committees the school board is forming.
💛 Looking Ahead
A key theme throughout the meeting was that Stillwater PTSA is rebuilding, growing, and evolving. The organization is listening to feedback, making changes, and working to create a PTSA where more families feel informed, included, and empowered to participate.
A big thank-you to everyone who attended, asked questions, and shared ideas! Whether families have been involved for years or this was their very first meeting, their participation makes a difference.
Stillwater is stronger when more voices are at the table! 💙💛
