'PTAs are more than ATMs'

"Parent-teacher associations are more than automated teller machines (ATMs)."

That was the declaration by Everton Hannam, president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), who told The Gleaner in an interview yesterday that there was an urgent need for principals to see PTAs beyond access to financial aid.

"We seek to engage parent-teacher associations in matters outside of money. "Many schools still see the PTA as a fundraiser. If they want anything, they say, 'Call the PTA'. But PTAs are more than ABMs and ATMs. The PTA is supposed to be involved in the different aspects of the school development plan," he stated.

I know of instances where the principal and the PTA are at loggerheads over money," said Hannam.

"However, there are equally many schools which appreciate the input and the value of parent-teacher associations. We want to recognise those schools," said the outgoing NPTAJ president.

Hannam steps down as head of the NPTAJ on Saturday to lead the process with other Caribbean nationals to establish the Caribbean Council of National Parent-Teacher Associations.

Jodi-Ann Gilpin@gleanerjm.com