LWPTSA Council exists to support, train, and advocate for our local PTA leaders. To ensure we can continue providing these services, we are evaluating our long-term financial health.
The Financial Reality: For over ten years, Council dues have remained at $1 per member. While we have been able to maintain this for a long period, we are facing new challenges:
- Declining Membership: In 2016, our district had 17,000 members; as of 2026, we have approximately 9,800.
- Revenue Gap: Because our primary income is tied to membership numbers, this decrease has led to an annual deficit of approximately $5,000.
- Depleted Surplus: We intentionally spent down surplus accumulated during the pandemic to support units, but these funds will be exhausted by the end of this school year.
Our “Local-First” Commitment Unlike many nonprofits, Council does not fundraise. We choose this intentionally because we refuse to compete with our local schools for donor dollars. We rely on dues and scholarship assessments so that your fundraising efforts stay at your school.
A Balanced Approach to the Budget A dues increase is only one part of the solution. We are also looking at:
- Strategic Reductions: Reviewing expenses for guest speakers, Founders’ Day subsidies, and scholarship funding.
- Program Evaluation: Assessing underutilized funds, such as the assembly and equity grants, to ensure our budget aligns with what units actually need today.
- Volunteer Efficiency: Recognizing that volunteer patterns have changed post-COVID, we are shifting our focus to better educate new leaders on how to use Council resources effectively.
Why the March Vote Matters By deciding this in March, we are giving every local unit the lead time necessary to adjust their own Standing Rules and 2026–2027 budgets. This proactive approach ensures that when your new boards take over in July, they have a clear and accurate financial roadmap.
Join the Discussion We value your input. Please join us at the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, March 5, at 9:45 am at the LWSD Resource Center.