If you are new to LASA you might not understand what PFLASA is and what it does. In short, we are an independent organization that includes all of LASA (teachers, staff, parents, guardians and friends) and exist solely to support our magnet school. We do most of the things a PTA/PTO/PTSA does but without membership fees or restrictions from a national organization (LASA also has a PTSA—they are great, you should join). When teachers need things for their classroom or professional development, we try to provide it. But we also host all the appreciation weeks, hold events for students, and generally support LASA so that it can be what it is. If your kid is here, then you should understand what a special place this is and how magnets need support in an age of declining education dollars.
But just because we are not under the national umbrella of a larger organization doesn’t mean we don’t have rules. And our rules call for an eight-member board. And right now, we are short one very important member. The Vice President gets an entire year to shadow the President and run the organization that exists solely to support our school. I understand this is a large commitment but if no one steps up to run the organization it will not continue to exist.
For anyone who has the ability to attend most PFLASA meetings, this job is possible. I am a working full-time attorney. Moreover, you will not be alone, the structure of the organization provides a lot of support, and your fellow board members are a wealth of knowledge. Finally, this organization is dynamic and has the ability to change whether that is meetings on zoom or fewer meetings. But while it can change it cannot function without leadership.
If you are at all curious or think you can help, please email me at president@pflasa.org.
Regards,
Ellen Stewart-Klein
PFLASA President
