The National PTA’s September 2025 Federal Legislative Chair (FLC) Webinar brought together state presidents and FLCs nationwide to strengthen advocacy efforts for children and families. Vice President of Advocacy Rose Acerra emphasized the power of collective voices in advancing education policies and thanked leaders for their continued commitment.

Special guest Ryan Betz of the National Farm to School Network highlighted October’s Farm to School Month, underscoring opportunities for PTAs to help ensure every child has access to healthy, nutritious meals while learning about food systems.

Policy updates included PTA’s participation in two new coalitions—the Children Thrive Action Network and Education for All—ongoing advocacy to prevent gun violence, monitoring of FY26 federal funding with concerns about Statewide Family Engagement Center grants, and health guidance updates from the Department of Health and Human Services. With the passage of the BBB Act, states may soon face decisions on opting into a national school voucher program; PTA leaders were urged to collect family stories for advocacy.

Looking ahead, PTA’s Legislative Conference (LegCon 2026) will be held March 2–4, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. Registration opens November 13, 2025. The next FLC webinar is set for November 12, covering vouchers, state legislative activity, and holiday engagement.

National PTA - 501c3

The National PTA sets the vision and provides national-level advocacy, grants, and program opportunities for states and local units. With over 125 years of service, it offers a unified national voice for children’s rights and education equity.

Role:

• Develops nationwide policy and advocacy tools

• Supports state and local units with leadership training

• Provides access to national programs and funding

• Unites millions of PTA voices across the country

Idaho Statewide PTA - 501c3

The Idaho PTA acts as the backbone and connector between local units and the national organization. Celebrating 120 years of service, Idaho PTA provides training, support, compliance tools, and leadership development. It also leads state-level advocacy, legislative tracking, and public policy initiatives to protect and fund public education.

Role:

• Offers compliance guidance and nonprofit oversight

• Coordinates training, events, and statewide campaigns

• Amplifies Idaho’s voice in the national arena

• Maintains Non-profit compliance oversight for Idaho local units

Idaho Local Unit PTA - 501c3(s)

These are school-based PTAs, established as nonprofit organizations at the local level. They focus on building community within their own schools, supporting teachers and students directly through events, fundraising, and volunteer efforts. Local Units also receive training, resources, and guidance from the Idaho State PTA.

Role:

• Organizes school-specific programs

• Elects local leadership

• Maintains nonprofit compliance

• Connects families to statewide and national efforts

The Voices of ALL Idaho Parents, Teachers, Students & Friends

(Base of the Pyramid – Blue Layer)
This is the foundation of Idaho PTA—where every voice matters. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, grandparent, or community supporter, your participation is what drives our mission. You don’t have to belong to a specific school PTA to be part of the movement. Through State-wide Membership or as a Friend of Idaho PTA, your involvement fuels advocacy, education, and support for all children across Idaho.

Role:

• Voices of all Idaho kids and public schools

• Participates in events, training, and legislative efforts

• Supports PTA values and mission

Building Trust and Credibility in Our Communities

At the recent Save Our Schools Town Hall in Idaho Falls, someone in the audience asked me a question that cuts to the heart of this debate:

“This bill allocates only 0.89% of the general fund budget. Our state has not provided funds to properly support schools ever. This bill is creating a forum to discuss the best interest of Idaho kids, but how are you addressing building trust and credibility within our communities to garner the support needed to move the mark here in our community? This room supports public education, but what are you doing to build trust and support within this community?”

This is exactly the right question. It’s not just about the money. It’s about trust.

When money is diverted off the top of the state budget to private schools, without public debate or legislative appropriation, it fuels mistrust in how decisions are made. Communities rightly ask:

• Who decides how public money is spent?

• Are those decisions transparent and accountable?

• Will every child, especially the most vulnerable, be served?

Idaho PTA is participating in a grassroots approach with the creation of the Idaho Public Education Coalition. Legislators and educators will return to their communities, ask real questions, and listen. We’ll gather that input through a statewide survey available in May and regional meetings with parents, educators, students, administrators, and other community members. This data will provide the critical foundation for future policy.

Interested in attending our Imagine Excellence meetings in your community? Read more: https://idahoed.com

Jamie Braithwaite, Idaho State PTA President participated in the Imagine Excellence Meeting in Eastern Idaho on June 16, 2025. She discussed the future of Idaho Public Education along side legislators, school board members, school administrators, superintendants, teachers, parents, and community members.

“If I had to start with one change, it would be this: Our kids. Our schools.
Our kids aren’t the problem—the system is. Let’s stop asking them to fit into outdated models, and start building schools for the future—schools that recognize and nurture every student’s full potential.” - Jamie Braithwaite

Read More for Jamie Braithwaite’s answers to all the questions