FLORIDA PTA LEADERSHIP CONVENTION RECAP
Delegates Elect Officers for 2018-2020
Orlando, Florida
- Over 1,100 attendees gathered for the Florida PTA Annual Leadership Convention, Thursday, July 12th through Sunday, July 15th at the Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor.
At the Leadership Convention, the following new officers were installed to serve for the 2018-2020 term:
- President: Linda Kearschner - Pinellas County
- President-Elect: Jen Martinez - Palm Beach County
- Vice President for Leadership Development: Carolyn Nelson-Goedert - Miami-Dade County
- Vice President for Regions & Councils: Jessica Summers - Pinellas County
- Vice President for Educational Development: Angie Gallo - Orange County
- Vice President for Membership Development: Maxine Lewers - Broward County
- Secretary: Alvin Gainey - Miami-Dade County
- Treasurer: Karen Mazzola - Seminole County
"It is our mission to make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. A child's zip code should never determine their destiny, but today, the neighborhoods where children grow up impact their odds of graduating high school and their lifetime economic opportunities and even perhaps their mortality," said Linda Kearschner during remarks following her installation as the new Florida PTA President. "We cannot, we will not, let the potential of these students go to waste. Our future is tied to the success of all students and together we will seek to ensure opportunity and equity for every child."
Florida PTA's Leadership Convention provides an important opportunity for PTA members from across the state to network, exchange ideas, enhance their skills and become empowered child advocates and leaders. The event included a health & wellness fair, a programs exhibit, a Reflections art gallery, and over 100 different workshops for delegates to choose from. Several outstanding volunteers were also honored with special awards and recognitions throughout the weekend.
In the business meetings held, there was much excitement from members as they greeted keynote speakers, Cindy Gerhardt, Immediate Past President of Florida PTA, and Jim Accomando, National PTA President. Voting delegates also unanimously adopted resolutions on Testing English Language Learners in their Native Language and on the Educational Implications for Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Disabilities. Amendments were also approved to the Florida PTA bylaws.
