PTO Meeting Minutes for 2026 - 2027 School Year

September 2026

Spradley Elementary PTO

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026

Time: 8:05 AM – 8:58 AM

Location: Spradley Elementary Cafeteria

Attendance

Board present: Ashley Travis, President; Nina Basu, Treasurer; Ashley Beatty, Secretary

Board absent: Morgan Conque, Vice President

Members present: ~22 in person and 12 virtual

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Ashley Travis, President, at 8:05 AM.

1. Recap of Activities Since Last Meeting

The Board reviewed recent PTO activities:

• PTO Board & Admin Connect (August 25)
• Teacher Soda Bar (August 26)
• PTO Board Meeting (September 10)
• Trunk or Treat Planning Meeting (September 11)
• Spirit Wear Pre-Sales closed (September 11)
• Handel's Spirit Night (September 17)
• Vision & Hearing Screening Support (September 18)
• Membership Basket Promotion: congratulations to winner Vayu
• Classroom Ice Cream Promotion: winner to be announced September 21

2. Spirit Wear Discussion

The Board reported that pre-orders came in lower than anticipated and asked members for input on overall interest in spirit wear, whether an always-on online store would be preferred, and what would drive sales. Orders already placed are in production and will be delivered in the next few weeks.

Member feedback:

1. There is general interest in spirit wear.
2. Members recommended polling families on whether they prefer an always-on site or pop-up style sales.
3. There was strong consensus that more and better designs are needed to generate interest.
1. Members will submit design recommendations.
2. A student design contest was suggested.

Action item: The Board will assign a lead to coordinate member design submissions, with the goal of launching before Trunk or Treat.

3. Progress Against Goals

The Board shared progress against annual goals, including a 42% membership sign-up rate.

4. 2026–27 Budget Review and Vote

The Board presented the proposed budget and opened the floor for feedback. Highlights by category:

School Events (during school hours, students only)

Investment is similar to the prior year. Spring events have not been finalized, and the Board invited member input.

Family Events (outside school hours, for students, families, and the community)

Investment is increasing based on feedback and strong engagement with last year's Trunk or Treat. The additional funds will support Movie Nights and a Spring Event, to be proposed and voted on by members.

Teacher Appreciation

Investment is lower than the prior year. This reflects a shift toward efficiency, not a reduction in support for teachers. The Board plans to increase parent involvement through “Stock the Lounge” events and seek sponsor donations of goods and services in place of purchases.

School Enhancements

Investment is lower than the prior year, as the previous PTO board made significant investments in the school last year. Funds have been allotted, and the Board will seek input from Administration and members on how to use them. These decisions will be made in the second half of the year, after the main fundraiser, when additional available funds are known.

Student Encouragement

The Board clarified that this category supports students who cannot afford field trips, the 5th grade celebration, treats during testing, and similar needs. The largest expense in this category is grade-level shirts.

Motion: Christian Beatty moved to approve the proposed budget. Zerek Travis seconded the motion.

Vote: 22 in-person votes in favor, 0 opposed. Motion carried.

5. Apex Fundraiser

The Board introduced the Apex Fundraiser and explained why it was selected even though Apex charges a higher fee than alternatives such as Raise Craze:

1. The decision had to be made over the summer.
2. Apex is a turnkey program. Apex staff are on campus for the full two weeks and handle teacher and staff support, tracking, giveaways, and student encouragement. Schools using Raise Craze rely on significant parent volunteer involvement to do this work.

The Board is open to moving toward a volunteer-driven model as parent involvement in the PTO grows. Because that level of involvement has not existed in the past, Apex ensures students receive the support they need this year.

Action item: A planning committee for the Apex Fundraiser will kick off in the next few weeks.

6. Sponsor Spotlight

Sponsor Water Wings shared details about its upcoming Grand Opening.

7. Trunk or Treat Planning

Bailey Bible provided an update on the planning committee's work and current plans. Members shared ideas and input, and all members were invited to join the committee.

8. Upcoming Events

• Next PTO General Meeting: Friday, October 16, 8:00–9:00 AM (ahead of the fundraiser and Trunk or Treat)

Summary of Action Items

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Ashley Travis, President, at 8:58 AM.