![]() The Nominating Committee is a special committee that holds the key to a successful PTSA. It is responsible for presenting the best-qualified candidates to serve as the elected officers who will lead your PTA next school year. What is a Nominating Committee?
The nominating committee is a group of 3 PTA members who are elected for the purpose of finding enthusiastic and qualified volunteers to serve on the PTA’s executive committee! The Nominating Committee members must be elected at a general membership meeting at least 30 days before the officer elections. Members of the committee cannot be appointed by the PTA President or the Board of Directors. The PTA president nor the principal may serve on the committee or participate in the committee deliberations. Why Do We Need a Nominating Committee? Every year the executive committee roles on local PTAs are re-elected. This means new PTA officers are entering into leadership every year! Having a nominating committee is the best way to make sure that each volunteer is qualified, excited, and ready to serve. The goal of the committee is to seek the most qualified candidates for each elected position for the next school year (beginning July 1). It is a vital committee because it has the power to shape the nature of your PTA and to set you up for future success. Please note that although an officer may serve two years in a position they must be re-elected every year. ![]() Who Should Be On The Nominating Committee? Nominating committee members should:
When Should We Elect Our Nominating Committee? Elect the committee early in the school year so they have time to locate the best candidates! State guidance suggests that the Nominating Committee be elected at the first meeting of the school year. If you have not done that yet, make it a goal to elect the committee at your next General Membership meeting. The nominating committee is discharged from service after the executive officers are declared elected.
During the School Year - While serving on the nominating committee, members:
At the Elections: The chair (or another member) of the nominating committee reports the committees’ recommendations to the membership during a membership meeting. A script of what should be said and how to conduct elections can be found in the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee Handbook. Who Can Be Nominated: The candidate should be the person the committee thinks will best fill the role! Additionally, the candidate must:
Additional Things to Consider: * Candidates who wish to have co-officer positions can be considered together if both candidates agree to prior to the election. * Individuals should not be nominated by the committee just because someone is interested in or has volunteered for a position. The nominating committee should only nominate candidates whom they believe would be qualified candidates as described above. * Current officers should be evaluated just as you would any candidate. If the committee finds a more qualified candidate, the committee should nominate the more qualified person. People are not guaranteed a nomination the second year. What Is A Nominating Committee Report?
Can a Member of the Nominating Committee Run for a Position? Yes! But the member should recuse themselves from all discussion about their nominations and discussion of other potential nominees for that same position. What If You Cannot Find a Candidate for a Position? The committee can leave the position vacant by writing Open on the report. Someone may self-nominate during the election or during the self-nomination period. Additionally, your PTA may appoint a person to fill in until a long-term candidate can be elected. Here are a couple of ideas to broaden your reach when searching for candidates:
What if you STILL can’t find a candidate for a position?
More Questions? Contact your VPs of Support! Secondary - Jennifer Drury vpsupportsec@northshorecouncilptsa.org Elementary - Diana Christiansen vpsupportel@northshorecouncilptsa.org
If you are interested in serving on Northshore Council PTSA’s 2023-2024 Nominating Committee, please complete Self Nomination Form by Wednesday, November 01.
Effective candidates for the nominating committee: • Are familiar with the needs and goals of Northshore Council PTSA. • Are enthusiastic about Northshore Council PTSA's mission, vision, and goals. • Are willing to work and devote considerable time to furthering the purposes and programs of Northshore Council PTSA. • Possess tact, integrity, discretion, and the ability to hold their own counsel. • Have the courage to express their ideas and defend their convictions • Demonstrate sound judgment and skill in evaluating potential nominees. • Are capable of understanding and maintaining complete confidentiality. • Represent the diversity that is present in the community and student population. • Should be elected on merit and ability – never on popularity. Members of the nominating committee are eligible to become nominees for elected office. No person may serve on this committee for more than two consecutive one-year terms. A candidate for a council nominating committee must be a member of a local PTA/PTSA in the council for at least 15 days preceding their election. The election of the nominating committee will take place at our November 14th Membership meeting. Please note: You do not need to be a Northshore Council PTSA Officer to be on the Nominating Committee. We encourage any interested and qualified Northshore PTA/PTSA member to volunteer for this vital role that will help shape the future of Northshore Council PTSA! Questions? Contact Council President Rachel Fitzgerald. WSPTA Free Training: Nominating Committee
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Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 6:30 PM Meet & Greet 7 PM Meeting Begins Register for Zoom Meeting Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtduqorjgrGdVXE-PHC18F7bvkuHv8VUuK The Zoom link you receive will be unique to your registration. Please have each person attending register for a Zoom link. Thank you. |
Please join us at our next General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 14.
Meeting Agenda: In addition to our regular business, we will hold an election for this year's Nominating Committee (Nom Com). Self-nominations opened on Oct. 19, 2023. Learn more about Nominating Committee and self nominate. Nom Com Update: Nominations closed on November 1 for Nominating Committee. View slate and election information here. Want to learn more about the Nominating Committee? WSPTA is offering two leadership trainings. Visit our training opportunities page for registration information. Agenda Update: Presentation by the ILHS's Climate Action Club
Northshore Council PTSA has invited members of Innovation Lab High School's Climate Action Club to present their proposal on "Washington State Declaring the Climate Emergency''. After hearing their presentation, our membership will be able to ask questions and have the opportunity to motion to vote on whether or not we would like to endorse this proposal. |
Questions? Email Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald at president@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
Save the Date - View calendar of future meeting dates.
We would like to say thank you to all of the local leaders from across the district, as well as community and school partners for taking the time to join us!
Council Business
- After reviewing and approving the meeting minutes from our November General Membership meeting, Council Treasurer Serena Xu presented the December 2022 financial report for review, as well as reporting SOA updates.
- Next up was the 2023 Nominating Committee election. Jane Chiodo, Cherry Holmes, and Laura Staneff were elected to serve on this year’s Nominating Committee. Nominating Committee training will be available on February 3rd for all PTAs.
Community Partners
- We next heard from our community partners. School Board Director Bob Swain provided an update on the Northshore School District Superintendent search, Bond and Levy Capital Projects, and the Student Safety and Health and Wellness Task Force.
- Superintendent Search: The search process began in November 2022, with the hiring of GR Recruiting. GR Recruiting met with 40 different community and school individuals and compiled a list of qualifications for a prospective superintendent based on their feedback. The application submission deadline is February 6th. The Top applications that meet the requested criteria will be given to the School Board on February 21st. The top 2 or 3 candidates will be presented at Town Hall meetings for the public to ask questions.
- Bond and Levy Capital Projects: Projects are going through the design stage, and will then move to the building stage.
- Student Safety and Health and Wellness Task Force: The Task Force is comprised of 29 students, school staff, parents, and community members. They will present their recommendations in April 2023.
- Superintendent Search: The search process began in November 2022, with the hiring of GR Recruiting. GR Recruiting met with 40 different community and school individuals and compiled a list of qualifications for a prospective superintendent based on their feedback. The application submission deadline is February 6th. The Top applications that meet the requested criteria will be given to the School Board on February 21st. The top 2 or 3 candidates will be presented at Town Hall meetings for the public to ask questions.
- Executive Director of Communications for Northshore School District, Carri Campbell, presented an update for NSD Community Partnerships and Volunteers.
- State of Our Schools: This event will be held on February 8, 2023, from 8 am – 9 am. Council leaders and PTA presidents are invited to attend. The event will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
- ParentSquare: ParentSquare, a new Northshore School District communication app launches on Monday, January 23, 2023 for school admin and office staff. Families will receive invites to download the app as soon as Monday. Parent Square will better support all languages and dialects. Jennifer Piplic provided a brief demonstration of ParentSquare to those in attendance.
- State of Our Schools: This event will be held on February 8, 2023, from 8 am – 9 am. Council leaders and PTA presidents are invited to attend. The event will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
- Advocacy – Jennifer Drury
- Jennifer shared WSPTA’s Focus on Advocacy Week 2023 will be the week of February 6th. Please visit Council or WSPTA websites to sign up for action alerts. Focus Day 2023 will be on February 20th. PTA members are invited to Olympia for Focus Day to meet with legislators. Transportation is being coordinated. Please complete the survey if you are interested in attending.
- Jennifer shared WSPTA’s Focus on Advocacy Week 2023 will be the week of February 6th. Please visit Council or WSPTA websites to sign up for action alerts. Focus Day 2023 will be on February 20th. PTA members are invited to Olympia for Focus Day to meet with legislators. Transportation is being coordinated. Please complete the survey if you are interested in attending.
- Membership – Kimberly Ortiz
- We are currently at 96% of last year’s membership across Northshore PTAs. Congratulations to the eight PTAs who have received the WSPTA Membership Platinum Growth Award already this school year. They are Bothell High School PTSA, Cottage Lake Elementary PTA, Frank Love Elementary PTA, Kenmore Middle School PTSA, Shelton View Elementary, Sorenson PTA, Timbercrest Middle School PTSA, and Woodinville High School PTSA.
- We are currently at 96% of last year’s membership across Northshore PTAs. Congratulations to the eight PTAs who have received the WSPTA Membership Platinum Growth Award already this school year. They are Bothell High School PTSA, Cottage Lake Elementary PTA, Frank Love Elementary PTA, Kenmore Middle School PTSA, Shelton View Elementary, Sorenson PTA, Timbercrest Middle School PTSA, and Woodinville High School PTSA.
- Reflections – Jasmine Lee Fry (presented by Mary Khouzam)
- Submissions for WSPTA Reflections are being entered, and local PTA leaders have been informed that submissions have been received.
- Submissions for WSPTA Reflections are being entered, and local PTA leaders have been informed that submissions have been received.
- Grants – Mary Khouzam
- The application deadline for Educational Speakers and Community Events grant is on January 27, 2023. PTAs interested in partnering with Council should submit their application.
Reminders
- The next General Membership Meeting is on March 20th, 2023. The results of a recent poll asking attendees about their meeting preferences for meeting in person or virtually showed a majority preference for meeting virtually. Therefore, the March 20th meeting will be held via Zoom.
- Council is still looking for a VP of Events, and a FACE chair. Please contact Council Co-Presidents if you are interested in serving on Council.
PTAs all across Northshore School District are in need of volunteers. Volunteers for your school's PTA/PTSA are the ones responsible for all the amazing things PTAs accomplish throughout the year including things like:
- Family Events
- Classroom Grants
- Advocacy Efforts
- Funding for Field Trips
- Staff Appreciation
- Parent Education Events
- And so much more!!
Currently, NSD PTAs are in the process of electing officers for next school year. Without elected officers, PTAs are not able to fund programs and are even at risk of closing.
Contact your school's PTA/PTSA to find out how you can help & encourage others to do the same! No experience necessary to become a volunteer. In fact, Northshore Council PTSA & WA State PTA provide support and training for PTA leaders all throughout the year.
Myth: Volunteering for PTA has no impact on my child's school experience.
Fact: Not only does volunteering for PTA connect you with other parents and teachers at your school, it also shows your child that you are interested and invested in their educational experience. Research has proven that parental involvement within the child's school increases academic achievements and decreases behavior issues. Additionally, volunteers are the ones who make PTA programming and support possible in order to better each and every child's school experience! |
Fact: Anyone can be a PTA Volunteer! A parent with a full time job who is only available in the evenings or weekends, a grandpa who wants to stay active during retirement, an auntie who wants to teach a fun hip-hop class after school, a neighbor from down the street who wants to give back to their community - all of these people and so many more make great volunteers!
Fact: PTAs in our Middle Schools & High Schools need volunteers as well, but it may look a bit different than it did in elementary. Many of the volunteers at the secondary level are "behind the scenes" helping to coordinate teacher grants, planning end of the year grad celebrations, or working with the ASB to increase resources. And, of course, all levels of PTAs need volunteers to fill the role of their executive board which includes positions such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Fact: While it's great to have dedicated volunteers return each year, PTAs welcome and need new volunteers each year! There are term limits for elected volunteers, events that are growing in attendance, and new program ideas being suggested - all of which benefit from an increase in new volunteers.
Myth: I don't have the experience to be a PTA Volunteer.
Fact: There is no experience necessary to volunteer! In fact, there are supports for new and returning PTA volunteers such as training classes, resource guides, online toolkits, and ways to connect with other PTA volunteers to ask questions and get help (such as Council's Facebook groups, office hours, and website). |
Northshore Council PTSA will be holding online elections for nine (9) of the positions on its 2023-24 Executive Committee on Monday, March 20, 2023. |
In the 2023 Nominating Committee Report, the following slate of candidates were put forward for 2023-2024:
- For the Office of President: Rachel Fitzgerald
- For the Office of First Vice President: Grace Jurado
- For the Office of Secretary: Claudine Miller
- For the Office of Treasurer: Brenae Brix
- For the Office of VP of Events: OPEN
- For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Holly Muenchow
- For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Terra Droney
- For the Office of VP of Communications: Jennifer Snyder
- For the Office of VP of Elementary Support: Diana Christiansen
- For the Office of VP of Secondary Support: Jennifer Drury
Per the 2022-2023 Council Standing Rules:
All Candidates:
- Any position may be held jointly by two (2) people, except the role of Treasurer.
- Nominees must be at least 18 years of age.
- Nominees must be a current member of at least one local PTA that falls within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area.
Candidates for the office of President and First Vice President shall also:
- Have two years of elected officer experience on Northshore Council PTSA;
- Have served as President of a local PTA for at least one year and have one year of serving in an elected position on Council or higher.
Candidates for the offices of VP of Elementary Support and VP of Secondary Support shall also:
- Have served in PTA a minimum of 2 years, with one year as a local PTA President and one year in a board position at the educational stage that they are going to support.
Each of the slated candidates meets all qualification requirements.
Election Information:
As there is only one candidate per position, the election will be conducted via voice vote at the next General Membership Meeting, on Monday, March 20, 2023. For positions that are listed as "OPEN", no candidate has come forth. Council will continue to seek volunteers for this position with the goal of holding an election at a future General Membership Meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85481338083?
Meeting ID: 886 6563 4062
Passcode: *Available upon request.
Information about Northshore Council PTSA online elections procedures is available in its Electronic Voting (E-Voting) Policy.
*A meeting password is required to join. It will be sent to local leaders via email. You can also request the password by emailing Council PTSA VP of Communications, Jenn Snyder.

Northshore Council PTSA will be holding its 2023-2024 elections online. Since “nominations from the floor” can’t work as they normally would at an in-person meeting, Northshore Council PTSA is opening up the floor virtually by using an online submission form. If you are interested in joining the 2023-2024 Northshore Council PTSA Executive Board, now is the time to self declare!
- VP of Events
Northshore Council PTSA for 2023-2024 can do so at:
Self Declare Nomination Form
(click above link for form)
Deadline for submission is no later than midnight, Friday, March 10th, 2023
At the close of the self-nomination period, if there is any contested position we will send out an electronic voting method to Northshore PTA/PTSA presidents and vice-presidents. If no position is contested, we will hold the election by voice vote during our next General Meeting, on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Slate of Candidates:
In the 2023 Nominating Committee Report, the following slate of candidates were put forward for 2023-2024:
- For the Office of President: Rachel Fitzgerald
- For the Office of First Vice President: Grace Jurado
- For the Office of Secretary: Claudine Miller
- For the Office of Treasurer: Brenae Brix
- For the Office of VP of Events: OPEN
- For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Holly Muenchow
- For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Terra Droney
- For the Office of VP of Communications: Jennifer Snyder
- For the Office of VP of Elementary Support: Diana Christiansen
- For the Office of VP of Secondary Support: Jennifer Drury
Anyone self declaring for a 2023-2024 Northshore Council Elected Board Position must meet the following qualification requirements.
Per the 2022-2023 Council Standing Rules:
All Candidates:
- Any position may be held jointly by two (2) people, except the role of Treasurer.
- Nominees must be at least 18 years of age.
- Nominees must be a current member of at least one local PTA that falls within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area.
Candidates for the office of President and First Vice President shall also:
- Have two years of elected officer experience on Northshore Council PTSA;
- Have served as President of a local PTA for at least one year and have one year of serving in an elected position on Council or higher.
Candidates for the offices of VP of Elementary Support and VP of Secondary Support shall also:
- Have served in PTA a minimum of 2 years, with one year as a local PTA President and one year in a board position at the educational stage that they are going to support.
President: The President has many important jobs including serving as the official contact, communicator and representative of Council. They oversee and coordinate the work of the executive board, preside over meetings, are ex-officio members of all committees (except Nominating Committee) and are designated as an authorized signer for checks, contracts and authorizations for payment. But, most importantly, they work to connect PTAs which in turn helps them support families, schools and the community to work towards overall student success.
1st VP: Must be familiar with the Council president’s duties and responsibilities. Act as an aide to the president and perform the duties of the president in his or her absence. Is in charge of advertising and organizing the Council Grant Program and yearly Awards.
Treasurer: Is the authorized custodian of the funds of the association and receives and disburses all monies in accordance with the budget as approved by the membership.
Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of meetings, which become part of the permanent history of the PTA. Also responsible for taking attendance and monitoring quorum at meetings.
VP of Events: Plans and coordinates Councils yearly events including Presidents and Principals Brunch, Reflections Celebration and Spring Recognition Event.
VP of Communications: Works to facilitate Northshore Council PTSA communications in order to inform, engage, educate and inspire local PTAs and beyond.
VP of Advocacy: Help to educate local PTA's and disseminate information about current WSPTA and National PTA legislative priorities.
VP of Elementary Support: Act as a conduit of information for local elementary PTAs. Helps to answer questions local PTA's may have and works to recognize and celebrate local PTA's.
VP of Secondary Support: Act as a conduit of information for local secondary (high school and middle school) PTAs. Helps to answer questions local PTA's may have and works to recognize and celebrate local PTA's.
The election will take place during the Northshore Council PTSA Membership Meeting on Monday, March 20, 2023. WSPTA Bylaws permit the nomination of candidates from the floor* at the meeting before the vote takes place.
*Since meetings are currently held virtually, "nominations from the floor" will be done using an online submission form prior to the meeting. See our post on Self Declaring for 2023-2024 Elected Board Positions for more information.
In the 2023 Nominating Committee Report, the following slate of candidates were put forward for 2023-2024:
- For the Office of President: Rachel Fitzgerald
- For the Office of First Vice President: Grace Jurado
- For the Office of Secretary: Claudine Miller
- For the Office of Treasurer: Brenae Brix
- For the Office of VP of Events: OPEN
- For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Holly Muenchow
- For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Terra Droney
- For the Office of VP of Communications: Jennifer Snyder
- For the Office of VP of Elementary Support: Diana Christiansen
- For the Office of VP of Secondary Support: Jennifer Drury

The Nominating Committee is a special committee that holds the key to a successful PTSA. It is responsible for presenting the best-qualified candidates to serve as the elected officers who will lead Northshore Council PTSA in 2023-2024.
Jane Chiodo
Cherry Holmes
Laura Staneff
The period for self-declared nominations for these positions closed on Friday, December 16, 2022.
- No person may serve on this committee for more than two consecutive one-year terms.
- A candidate for the local PTA nominating committee must be a member of the local PTA for at least 15 days preceding their election.
- For a council nominating committee, the candidate must be a member of a local PTA in the council for at least 15 days preceding their election.
- Each of the slated candidates meets all qualification requirements.
Election Information:
As there are only three candidates, the election will be conducted via voice vote at the next General Membership Meeting, on Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting Information
Thursday, January 19, 2023
6:30 PM Meet & Greet
7 PM Meeting Begins
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88665634062
Meeting ID: 886 6563 4062
Passcode: Available Upon Request
Information about Northshore Council PTSA online elections procedures is available in its Electronic Voting (E-Voting) Policy.
Questions? Please contact Northshore Council PTSA Co-Presidents, Rachel Fitzgerald and Mary Khouzam.
*A meeting passcode is required to join. It will be sent to local leaders via email. You can also request the passcode by emailing Council PTSA Communications VP, Jennifer Snyder.
Northshore Council PTSA's 2022-2023 Nominating Committee elections will be taking place electronically. We are currently accepting self-nominations for the three (3) Nominating Committee positions. Interested candidates can self-nominate by emailing Co-Presidents, Rachel Fitzgerald and Mary Khouzam by Friday, December 16th. |
If there are only three candidates, the election will be held at the January 19th General Membership Meeting via Zoom. If there are more than three candidates, the election will be conducted by electronic ballot and detailed information will be available within the January 9th eNews.
Learn more about serving on the Nominating Committee, eligibility requirements, and more information on what makes an effective NomCom Candidate on our blog.
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