New PTO officers selected Monday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Restructuring of the Albany PTO, complete with the election of new officers, was the focus of a meeting held Monday, Nov. 7.

Ragan Riley, who will serve as president of the executive committee for the 2022-2023 school year, said that she and the other officers are excited about the future and the vision for the organization.

“We had a great attendance count, and lots of feedback was received,” she said.

Anyone who missed the meeting but would like to become a PTO member can email albany.tx.pto@gmail.com for more information.

Riley explained that in addition to simply becoming involved, there are benefits to being a PTO member.

“You can vote on PTO issues, have your voice heard, help implement new programs that benefit all students and teachers, and get discounts on PTO merchandise,” Riley said. “Also, your child will be eligible for the PTO scholarships awarded to seniors.”

Membership dues are $5, payable by check or cash. A Venmo account will be set up soon, Riley said.

As a part of the restructuring effort, the PTO’s current Facebook page is being discontinued, with a new private one established that only members will have access to.

“We did this for the safety and security of AISD and our students and teachers,” said Riley.

The new page will be launched in the near future.

In addition to Riley, other officers are: vice president Alison Gardenhire, secretary Brandi Garibay Lehew, treasurer  Robin Balliew, social media director Amanda Devore Snyder, membership director Staci Strauss, and teacher representative Chanel Hayner.

The next meeting of the organization will be Monday, Jan. 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the Nancy Smith Elementary cafeteria.