Raising Father’s Role in PTA

It was only a few decades ago that most PTAs were populated almost exclusively by women, homemakers with time to help the school raise funds and shepherd students on class trips. Fathers usually squeezed themselves into chairs meant for second-graders only once or twice a year.

The changing work force has meant the PTAs must also adapt. In school districts in Orange County the organizations rightly have reached out to bring fathers into their ranks.

In Santa Ana, Francisco Saldana attended a meeting at his daughter’s school to inquire about scholarships for his children. Spanish-speaking school officials recruited the man who emigrated from Mexico 18 years ago to help out around the school. Now he is co-president of the Santa Ana High PTA.

The emphasis on language is wise. Orange County schools are populated by students speaking scores of languages. To reach their parents, administrators must speak the language or find someone who does. Men realize their working spouses carry an equal burden; helping out at school should be a shared responsibility as well.

It is clear that students do better when they know their parents are interested in their schoolwork and are willing to meet with teachers. But in all districts, more than just showing up is required these days.

Money is tight, even in affluent districts. Volunteer labor helps all schools; in poorer districts, such as Santa Ana, the help is especially welcome.

The PTAs, now celebrating their 100th birthday, have helped by becoming more flexible. Meetings can be held in homes or coffee shops as well as schools. The organization aggressively seeks out parents. Community leaders and church officials help recruit.

Saldana said he wants to bring in more Latino men to the PTA “and show them how important it is for them to be involved.” In his campaign to become co-president of the PTA, he told listeners, “We have to, as parents, be involved not just in words but in actions.” Fittingly, in a school district where 90% of the students are Latino, Saldana spoke in Spanish; his remarks were translated into English.