Parents for Public Schools, Inc.

The scenarios above summarize the goals of Parents for Public Schools’ new strategic plan — an organizational map for the next several years. It was approved by the PPS National Board of Directors in September 2019. Our nonprofit organization has been hard at work toward reaching similar goals for some time now. The achievement markers, progress indicators, and timelines in the new strategic plan increase the urgency of meeting these goals on behalf of the 90 percent of America’s children attending the public schools.

As directed by our National Board of Directors, PPS is committed to:
1. Raising the PPS National Profile, through media messaging and partnerships with like-minded national organizations in establishing PPS as the voice for public school parents throughout the country. The organization also will increase its presence and become more recognized through social media and other outlets.
2. Activate Diverse Constituents to Ensure Equity in Public Education, helping chapters to increase communications with school principals, teachers and local organizations that represent marginalized individuals; developing resources and messaging for non-parent PPS chapter members; instituting an individual membership program, with goals for members to help advance the organization’s mission.
3. Create a Sustainable Fund Development Strategy, to increase the organization’s financial resources. PPS will use a multi-pronged approach to accomplish this goal, including developing an individual membership program with a fee structure, increasing revenue from foundations and other donors; and monetizing our three Parent Engagement Programs (PEP): Parent Leadership, Early Childhood Education, and Graduation-Ready.

As a nonprofit organization, PPS depends heavily upon chapter leaders, parent and community volunteers, as well as like-minded organizations to help fulfill the vision set by our National Board of Directors. We will strengthen our network of parents, community leaders, and other volunteers committed to to excellence and equity for every child. In doing so, we will mobilize those who support this vision to help carry it forth throughout every community. We will be intentional in inviting national partners to help craft and share information about the priorities out-lined. At the same time, we will support our chapters in working to resolve issues unique to each community. Candidate forums, parent and community training seminars, special projects, and special activities in support of the public schools and the children attending them will continue.

During the Fall of 2019, the capacity and potential of the PPS organization were strengthened as regional chapter leadership meetings for the first time in several years facilitated brainstorming by PPS leaders from different areas of the country. Engaging in face-to-face discussions, the leaders shared strategies for working smarter through employing proven techniques for reaching specific goals. From their surveys, they left the meetings even more energized and inspired about the potential positive impact of their work upon public school education.

In the latest fiscal year (2018-2019), PPS and its 12 chapters across the country made a positive impact upon almost a million public school students. The chapters’ activities were varied, as they sponsored / co-sponsored workshops and seminars and hosted other special events to
• distribute needed supplies for students starting the new school year, through backpack giveaways
• relieve the anxieties of students facing pending school consolidation
• broaden the awareness of students about potential careers in their own communities,
• help anxious parents understand and relax about enrolling their kindergarteners in the public schools for the first time
• educate parents about the unique experiences of students promoted from elementary to middle schools
• educate voters about the impact of their votes upon public education funding
• recognize outstanding educators and other unsung heroes in public education
• educate school leaders about parent assistance
• prepare parents for potential leadership as school board members of the public schools,
• and much more.