The Baldwin-Whitehall Council of PTA's January 2012 Meeting started off the New Year with enthusiasm!

Council elected a new corresponding secretary after receiving a motion from the nominating committee. Mr. Jerry Pantone has a lot to bring to the board!

January being School Board Recognition Month, the Council of PTA voted to dedicate a book to each Baldwin-Whitehall school director—The Essential School Board Book: Better Governance in the Age of Accountability. The book was presented to the school board directors by Mr. Pantone at a Jan. 19 school board meeting along with a thank you from the PTA.

The 44th Annual PTA Founders' Day Dinner has been scheduled for March 16, 2012. A highlight of the dinner is to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to children and the community. RSVP to the dinner is required by March 2 to the B-W PTA president. (See www.bwpta.com.) The dinner will be held at Salvatore's at 5001 Curry Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $25. It is our celebration of the PTA!

Those at January's PTA meeting heard from a guest speaker—PTA's Region 3 vice president—who spoke highly of the upcoming 103rd PTA State Convention to be held at the Crowne Plaza at Pittsburgh International Airport from April 20 through April 22.

We heard a presentation that enlightened members of the Passport to Leadership program, workshops and the General Assembly of voting on new resolutions from the state PTA. The Council of PTA will cover the cost of four members from each unit who are voted to attend the convention.

Baldwin-Whitehall School District Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Korchnak entertained parents' questions at the January meeting. Korchnak also presented a brief update of district activities: There was no Jan. 4 school board meeting due to the district's holiday break.

There will be a gradual transfer of authority during the second semester to Dr. Randal A. Lutz, who is taking over as district superintendent on July 1. Lutz's first official duty will be handling the district budget.

The preliminary budget has been passed. This budget is assuming the same level of funding with no changes. However, there may be some cuts in the future. Also, there will likely be a small tax increase. Dr. Lutz began studying the feasibility of converting McAnnulty and Whitehall elementary schools both into K-5 buildings.

A committee has been formed to review the current teacher evaluation process procedure. The goal is to implement one that is more effective than the standard state model.

The next B-W Council of PTA meeting will take place on Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 322 of Baldwin High School. Please sign in at the high school's main entrance.

The B-W Council of PTA welcome members to attend meetings, and we are always looking for volunteers!