Every February, PTAs across Texas celebrate Founder’s Day, commemorating the formation of the state’s first club. This year’s anniversary marked a special milestone for the Garland ISD Council of PTAs.
Founded in 1955, the group has served students, parents, teachers and schools in the communities of Garland, Rowlett and Sachse for 60 years.
“When the organization was established, there were just 4,637 students enrolled in nine district campuses and six local PTA units were represented,” said former Council President Cari Murray. “In 1985, the Garland Council of PTAs changed its name to the Garland ISD Council to represent new schools in Rowlett and Sachse. The district had also grown to approximately 32,000 students and 48 campuses.”
GISD now serves nearly 58,000 students at 71 campuses and 68 PTA units are represented in the Council. Reveling in its rich history, the district invited Texas PTA President Leslie Boggs to speak during the Feb. 4 Founder’s Day celebration.
“PTA makes a difference,” she said. “We need to be proud of our association. One hundred and six years old does not mean that we are out of touch, but that we have changed with the times. We are here to say that we are here to stay.”
All local GISD chapters continue to accept new members. Contact campuses for more information, or visit the GISD Council PTA website.