• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:42 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:36 am
Executive Board Members Present: Dana Hourani, Sarah Topol, Cher Jabbari,
Virginia Price, Liz Copperman, Kaitlin Barr, Stacey Gubernator, Erin Sullivan, Kaitlin
Barr, Interim Principal Juan Romo
Absent: Christal Duimstra, Diana Brunmark, Dorothy Tse, Anna McDivit, Amani
Bernstein, Ashley Schell
Approvals:
January Financials approved at 7:58 am. Stephanie motioned first, Stacey seconded –
All in favor. January 2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 7:59 am. Stephanie motioned
first, Stacey seconded – All in favor.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol:
Important Clarification: For clarity at the outset, Legacy Day is not a PTO-run or PTO-
funded event. Some board members expressed confusion around this, and we want to ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly understood moving forward as decisions
are made around funding, staffing, and calendar planning.
The 100 Days of School 100 pop-up bagels for staff were very well received.
2026–27 School Calendar has already been finalized. The presidents connected
with all committee chairs to confirm dates. There were no major changes, aside from
adjustments related to conference dates shifting earlier (before Thanksgiving and
Spring Break). Because the Book Fair generates significantly more revenue when held
during a full school week, it has been moved earlier, with the Family Dance now
scheduled for the Thursday of Book Fair week.
Galentine’s Happy Hour: Families are invited to join a Galentine’s Happy Hour with
fellow LJES moms on Thursday, February 12, from 5–8 PM.
PTO Recruitment: Our PTO recruitment event will take place on March 5 (location
TBD). Phannie is organizing a cocktail-hour-style gathering. This event is intended to
welcome prospective families and highlight the strength of our PTO community.
Talent Show: With over 75 acts we are looking at another amazing event put on by our
incredible chairs. Dress rehearsal is on February 18, and the final show is on February
20 at 5:00 PM.
After-School Programs: We want to recognize Amani and Ashley’s ongoing work
supporting after-school programming for our families. They have just released spring
session offerings, along with Tuesday and Thursday programs. A co-chair has been
identified to support Ashley Schnell as VP of After-School Programs. As this is a
board-voted position, a formal vote to confirm the role will take place next month. All
TK/K liaison positions have been filled.
Teacher’s Report: Erin Sullivan
Thank you for the 100 bagels on the 100th day of school. Staff are looking at many
topics ranging from trying to revamp enrichment and settling on math curriculum for next
year and what works with our community of learners.
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra (Update given by Cher Jabbari)
1. SeedMoney Grant for the garden has been deposited in the amount of $1035.
2. The second round of Pizza Wednesday sales are being represented in this month's
reporting. However, payments for the products from January to May have not been
made.
Financial Reporting Update:
We have a new financial report to announce, the Statement of Financial Position. Each
month, the PTO shares a Profit & Loss statement along with a detailed transaction
report that shows all financial activity by line item. These reports reflect how funds are
raised and spent and have been our standard reporting practice. We have not
historically distributed bank statements, because they contain full account numbers and
security is a concern in emailing or printing those documents. That decision was made
out of prudence, not a lack of transparency.
Auditor’s report: Virginia Price
Everything is going great.
VP Communications (Social Media): Liz Copperman
Tomorrow’s mom’s night out has been posted. Parent workshop on how to build a
reader is happening on April 10.
VP Communications (E-blasts): Dorothy Tse (Update given by Cher Jabbari)
After many months Dorothy just started helping in the cafeteria at both LJES and soon
Muirlands (Cheryl Carino is there currently at Muirlands). She is now officially a
substitute helper in the cafeteria at LJES. The hope is that with more help we can get
better quality food for our children. If there's any other parents interested in applying for
the "job" here is the link (https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2117046). They won't
take volunteers, so this is an actual job. You have to get your food handler's license and
there is a lot of back and forth with the administration. She started the process in early
October. However, the process has been worth it. If we could get even one more parent
willing to go through the process it could really make a difference!
Friends Liaison and VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
The Gala is on March 14. Only 16 tix left. VixPix is taking portraits of the children of the
gala attendees. Legacy day is on 2/20.
VP Tidings: Stacey Gubernator and Anna McDivit
Spring issue is a bit sparse. They are taking ideas. Deadline for content March 19.
Several committee members provided suggestions.
Room Parent Distribution of Classroom Funds: Dana Hourani
Several parents have raised questions regarding how room parents collect funds for
teacher birthdays, holidays, staff appreciation, end-of-year gifts, and small staff
donations. A survey was sent to room parents to gather feedback, and a one-page
overview outlining the pros and cons of both options is available. The principal and an
SD Unified contact were also asked their opinions. From the survey 54% of respondents
preferred to do a one-time ask at the beginning of the school year, while the rest prefer
asking as events approach. We do need one policy for all classes. Several members
shared their feelings for and against a one-time ask. One major concern was how the
money would be held and tracked. Everyone was in agreement that if it does turn into a
one-time ask, there needs to be a standard and reliable method of tracking the money.
Given how split the decision is, will likely wait for the next principal to receive their
feedback as well.