Notes on a PTO Meeting
November 12, 2024
Johnson Elementary PTO General Meeting
November 12, 2024
Welcome!
Special thanks to Mayor Wade for dinner!
Introductions from Parents and Faculty on the PTO Board
Virginia529 - Brittany Bullock - www.virginia529.com
Brittany will share a webinar recording and slidedeck from today’s presentation
Saving for education expenses; The sooner you start the better, but there is still time if you haven’t started.
Minimum contribution to start a 529: $10
You control how much and how often you contribute - No minimum contributions after the initial $10 and no requirement to contribute regularly.
Tax benefits are the key difference between a 529 and a general savings account - Grow tax-free at state and federal level. Also receive a state tax deduction benefit per account.
State tax deduction up to $4,000 per account
Withdrawals are tax-free as well.
Invest 529 is the program option now. Pre-Paid 529 is no longer available for new enrollment.
You can give a contribution gift to a child through their 529.
Over 20 portfolios from which to choose.
There is a screening tool built in that can help you narrow down the options based on your child’s age, risk tolerance, etc.
Can be utilized nationwide and even some locations internationally, as long as they accept US Financial Aid (FAFSA).
Can be used for school expenses beyond tuition.
Students can still apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA) even if they have a 529.
Sneaker Ball– A decorations/planning committee is the priority for now
Friday, January 31st
Event for 4th graders
Music and dance, hang out, activities, dinner and snack
Please let Jill or Laura know if you are interested in joining the decorations/planning committee.
November Sunshine Committee– Sign up to donate baked potato fixings!
“Spudtastic” is this Friday, November 15th in the faculty lounge!
If you think of anything else you would like to provide (beyond what is on the SignUp Genius), please bring it.
December - Julie Basic is going to coordinate a hot cocoa bar
Be on the lookout for the SignUp Genius so you can help!
2025 Months available for sign up if you want to coordinate a Sunshine Committee event!
Renaming- Tall Oaks Elementary School
School Naming Committee will put forth the name of a school to the School Board and they will vote.
Ms. Branson represents the faculty voice at Johnson.
Can anything be done at this point?
Seems like inconsistent policies for the different waves of schools being renamed.
We want equity with name changing.
TOES - Tall Oaks Elementary School - less-than-ideal abbreviation for the school
Can a survey be sent out to only Johnson families to get a feel for folks’ thoughts? Do we object to Tall Oaks? Do we want the Board and parents to speak up? Survey results of our own families could help guide us.
Next/Final Naming Committee Meeting is Tuesday, November 19th
Next School Board Meeting is Thursday, December 5th
How much does rebranding cost? In physical form (signs, labor, etc) and online.
Rezoning- 4 Options- voting
Decision being made in February 2025
Please watch the video to review the four different options for rezoning, and then…
Please take the time to complete the survey.
Deadline for your survey: December 1st!
In addition to completing the survey, feel free to send an email to: rezoning@charlottesvilleschools.org
The city wants to hear from us!
Rezoning will be implemented in the 2026-27 school year (when 5th graders move back to the elementary school).
Compared to other schools, Johnson has the highest density (child per square foot) and that will continue in all models. “High capacity”
Johnson has invited the school board to come in and see Johnson during the school day to see that there is not extra space and interventionists are teaching in the hall.
Note: With 5th graders returning to elementary schools, remember that a 5th grade body takes up more space than a Pre-School body.
If a specific scenario applies to your family (older sibling went to Johnson, my child will start K at Johnson in the 25-26 school year and I don’t want them to change schools in 26-27, faculty who want their children to attend where they work, county families paying to join city schools, etc), please put your questions/concerns/comments in the survey or email to the email address above.
Superintendent Dr. Gurley will be meeting with the school faculty to hear their concerns.
Question: Why can’t the rezoning be phased in? Let current students remain where they are through 5th grade and then start with Kindergarten classes sending them to their newly zoned school?
Fundraising update–all the great news from the Change Challenge
We raised over $3k!
Tremendous success!
Thank you for your participation!
Leopard Laps (Randi Jennings)
Fantastic student attendance…
…Need more parent help!
Please join Randi at 7:35am on the track!
Questions and Feedback