Who We Are
The Alta Murrieta Elementary PTA Board is made up of elected and appointed AMES parents, family members, guardians, staff and teachers, along with our school principal, Mrs. Cassandra Caldwell.
What We Do
The AMES PTA Board meets once a month to discuss and plan upcoming events, goals, needs, and concerns raised in our community.
Please reach out to a PTA Board member for more information.
2024-2025 Alta Murrieta Elementary PTA Board
President
Courtney Merle
Executive Vice-President
Veronica Kawano
Secretary
Diana Posada
Treasurer
Sarah Lopez
VP of Programs
Jennifer Stack
VP of Ways and Means
(Fundraising)
VACANT
VP of Memberships
Tram Saylor
Communications Chair
Sancel Tanioka
Hospitality Chair
Maya Gutierrez
Parliamentarian
Viridiana Galindo Crespo
Teacher Liaison
Kelly Ruiz
Volunteer Coordinator
VACANT
Auditor
Mariam Torres
Historian
Regina Rizo Rios
Spirit Coordinator
Dani Allen
Military & First Responders Relations Chair
Miguel Beltre
PTA Board Position Descriptions
President
This is an elected position. As the President of the Alta Murrieta Elementary School PTA, this role involves overseeing and coordinating the work of the executive board to ensure the PTA operates smoothly and effectively. The individual presides over PTA board and association meetings, serves as the official contact and representative for the PTA, and is authorized to sign checks, contracts, and payment authorizations. Additionally, they serve as an ex-officio member of all committees (except the nominating committee) and work closely with other PTA leaders to foster connections between families, the school, and the community, all with the goal of supporting student success at Alta Murrieta Elementary.
Executive Vice-President
This is an elected position. The Executive Vice-President serves as the primary aide to the president, helping guide the PTA toward its goals in alignment with PTA purposes and policies. This role involves stepping in to perform the president’s duties in their absence and assisting in other responsibilities as outlined in the PTA’s bylaws and standing rules, or as assigned. The Executive Vice-President plays a key role in supporting the PTA’s leadership and mission to benefit the school community.
Executive Vice-President Job Description
Vice-President of Programs
This is an elected position. The VP of Programs works with committees and other chairpersons to plan and organize programs throughout the school year. They collaborate closely with the principal, PTA president, other committee chairs, and student groups to coordinate, plan, and implement these programs. The VP of Programs develops an annual program calendar and presents it at the PTA association meeting for adoption. Once approved, they publicize the calendar through newsletters, the website, social networks, and the school handbook. Additionally, they oversee and delegate volunteer recruitment to ensure successful implementation and management of the programs.
VP of Programs Job Description
Vice-President of Ways and Means
This is an elected position. The VP of Ways and Means works with a committee appointed by the president to plan and organize fundraising activities aimed at meeting the PTA’s budget goals. This role focuses on raising the necessary funds to support the unit’s budget, ensuring financial stability for various programs and initiatives. The VP of Ways and Means also presents reports on proposed fundraising activities at board and association meetings for approval, ensuring that the efforts align with the PTA’s overall objectives.
VP of Ways and Means Job Description
Vice-President of Memberships
This is an elected position. The PTA VP of Membership works with the membership committee to plan the annual membership campaign. The membership chairman is responsible for creating and implementing a membership plan, promoting membership throughout the year, providing membership reports at PTA board and association meetings, collecting dues, and distributing membership cards.
VP of Membership Job Description
Secretary
This is an elected position. The Secretary is responsible for taking minutes during board and association meetings and co-signing formal documents with the president, such as authorizations for payment, resolutions, and formal letters. The secretary also manages PTA correspondence as directed by the president and ensures that all records and important documents are maintained and preserved for future reference, passing them on at the end of the term to ensure continuity in PTA operations.
Treasurer
This is an elected position. The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining permanent records of the PTA’s financial transactions and funds. They chair the budget committee and prepare the annual budget for adoption by the association. The treasurer pays all PTA bills as authorized by the board or association, and prepares financial reports for every board and association meeting, as well as an annual financial report. Additionally, they ensure that all taxes and required reports, as mandated by PTA bylaws, insurance, and federal or state governments, are completed and submitted by their deadlines.
Auditor
The Auditor, also known as Financial Reviewer, is responsible for thoroughly examining the PTA's books and financial records to ensure their accuracy. They present written reports on their financial reviews to the board for evaluation and subsequently to the association for adoption. Additionally, the financial reviewer uploads copies of the adopted financial reviews to the document retention system as specified in the unit bylaws, ensuring that all financial documentation is properly maintained and accessible for future reference.
Historian
This is an elected position. The Historian is responsible for capturing, assembling, and preserving records of the PTA's activities and achievements throughout the year. They collect volunteer hours from PTA meetings and events, ensuring accurate documentation of community involvement. The Historian completes and submits the PTA Unit-Annual Historian Report to the council or district PTA, reflecting the organization's efforts and successes. Additionally, they prepare and present a brief overview of the PTA year at a meeting near the end of the school year, celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of members and volunteers.
Parliamentarian
This is an appointed position. The Parliamentarian assists the president in managing meetings and provides guidance on parliamentary procedure to ensure meetings run smoothly. They chair the Bylaws committee, reviewing the PTA’s bylaws annually and revising them every five years. The Parliamentarian also arranges the first meeting of the nominating committee and provides information on the nomination and election process. As a member, the Parliamentarian has full rights and privileges, including the ability to make motions, participate in debates, and vote during meetings.
Parliamentarian Job Description
Communications Chair
This is an appointed position. The Communications chair works with the executive board and committee chairs to develop and manage all PTA communications. This role involves creating and distributing newsletters, managing the PTA’s website and social media platforms, and ensuring timely and effective communication with parents, staff, and the community. The communications chair is responsible for publicizing PTA events, meetings, and programs, and promoting PTA initiatives through various channels. They ensure that all messaging aligns with PTA policies and helps strengthen connections between families, the school, and the wider community.
Communications Chair Job Description
Hospitality Chair
This is an appointed position. The Hospitality chair serves as the official host, creating a welcoming atmosphere at meetings and events. They collaborate with committees and other chairs to organize refreshments, food, decorations, registration, greeters, and babysitting for PTA events. The Hospitality chair maintains supplies and equipment, keeping an updated inventory. At the start of the PTA year, they present a hospitality budget for approval by the executive board and monitor expenses throughout the year. Additionally, they report on hospitality plans at board meetings to ensure smooth coordination of upcoming PTA events.
Hospitality Chair Job Description
Teacher Liaison
This is an appointed position. The Teacher Liaison serves as a vital link between the PTA and the school’s faculty, fostering collaboration to enhance the educational experience for students. They work closely with teachers to understand their needs and perspectives, ensuring that the PTA's initiatives align with the school's goals. The teacher liaison communicates important PTA events, programs, and resources to the teaching staff, encouraging their participation and support. Additionally, they gather feedback from teachers to share with the PTA, helping to create an inclusive environment where educators feel valued and involved in the PTA's efforts to support student success.
Teacher Liaison Job Description
Volunteer Coordinator
This is an appointed position. The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with the PTA president, principal, and teachers to coordinate volunteer assignments that support student success. They collaborate with other PTA board members, educators, and administrators to assess and identify ways for parents, guardians, and community members to become more involved in school volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Coordinator oversees the recruitment, training, and assignment of volunteers, ensuring that all roles are filled effectively. Additionally, they promote PTA goals, membership, and activities as a committee chair or officer, fostering a strong sense of community engagement within the school.
Volunteer Coordinator Job Description
Spirit Coordinator
This is an appointed position. The Spirit Coordinator is responsible for fostering school spirit and community pride among students, families, and staff. They organize and promote various spirit events, such as spirit weeks, pep rallies, and themed days, to engage the school community and encourage participation. The Spirit Coordinator collaborates with the PTA board and other committees to align spirit activities with school events and initiatives. They also manage the distribution of spirit wear and promotional materials, helping to cultivate a sense of belonging and enthusiasm within the Alta Murrieta community.
Spirit Coordinator Job Description
Military and First Responders Relations Chair
This is an appointed position. The Military and First Responders Relations chair is dedicated to building and maintaining strong relationships between the school community and local military personnel and first responders. This role involves organizing events and programs that honor and recognize the contributions of these heroes, fostering a sense of appreciation among students and families. The chair collaborates with the PTA board and school staff to create opportunities for interaction, such as inviting military and first responder guests to school events or coordinating educational programs about their roles. Additionally, they promote community engagement and support for military families and first responders, ensuring that their sacrifices are acknowledged and valued within the Alta Murrieta community.
Military and First Responders Relations Chair Job Description