Dear BV Nation,

Throughout my years on the Executive Board of the Beverly Vista PTA, I have always put principles above personalities and stayed out of public controversy.  Among other things, I brought the Run for Success to our school, brought back the branding of our annual fund (BV Pride), and engineered the receipt of more than a quarter of a million dollars in parent and community donations.  I have worked tirelessly to take over programs when others dropped the ball, and have always come to the school on a moment's notice if something needed to be done.  I believe my character, accomplishments, and dedication speak for themselves.

Tuesday's election was marred by irregularities and extremely close. Most importantly to me, the voting showed a divided school.  We should be role models for our children, and a divided school and the associated social media vitriol isn't good for them, the PTA, or Beverly Vista, all of which I hold dear after so many years of involvement.  Our school should be getting press for academic excellence, success in the Science Olympiad, our choir going to Carnegie Hall, our band and orchestra BOTH getting gold at the Forum Music Festival, and our students' strength of character, not because we parents are squabbling over the PTA and its bylaws.  So while the next election might also be close, it would no doubt lead to further division.  Therefore, in the interest of promoting PTA harmony, I have decided to serve out the remainder of my term as Executive Vice President and not seek election as president.  I hope the next president realizes the awesome time commitment and dedication the job requires, and wish her/him the best in uniting our school, assembling a slate of volunteers to do the heavy lifting, and bringing in the donations necessary for the PTA to do its mission effectively.  I'll be rooting for you.

In closing, I want to thank all of those people who came to support me last Tuesday and those who have reached out since. It has meant a lot to me and will not be forgotten.

Go Bulldogs!    

April Jergens

BV PTa Co-President