March 8, 2006

FOR   IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The state’s largest and oldest child advocacy organization will hold its 79^th annual convention next month in Waikiki.

The Hawaii State PTSA will gather April 22-23 at the Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel. The theme of the event is “The Wonder of Children.”

“The mission of the PTSA is to support and speak on behalf of the students who represent our future,” said Don Hayman, president of the HSPTSA.  “With all the changes going on in public education, we consider this convention vital.”

The convention occurs in the final weeks of the 2006 Legislature, a session in which lawmakers will act on a host of education-related legislation. 

Lawmakers will be putting the final touches on the operating budget for school operations and the separate budget for school facility repairs.

The Legislature is also considering amendments to Act 51, which among other things changes the funding structure at individual schools.  Act 51 also sets up School Community Councils, designed to give parents more say in how their children’s schools are operated.

The Hawaii State PTSA assists parents in developing skills they need in today’s hectic world and encourage them and all others to play a more active role in public education.

 “We feel the speakers and workshops will be very topical and will definitely weigh in on what’s happening down at the State Capitol,” Hayman said.

Convention chair Kalei Fermantez says all the changes could trigger a larger attendance at the convention. 

“We have an early bird registration which ends March 15, and we advise those wanting to attend to sign up now so they can get the best rates and we can plan accordingly,” Fermantez said.

Further details and registration information can be obtained at www.hawaiiptsa.org. 

Media contact:  Jim McCoy, PTSA Community Relations Specialist 282-3440

jmccoy@hoakeacomm.com

Earlier Press Releases

September 6, 2005 - News Advisory; Governor Lingle to Deliver Keynote Address
August 11, 2005 - A First for UH: PTA Unit on Campus