FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA. (June 25, 2009) – An historic moment in American history will take place this weekend at National PTA’s convention in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  (June 27-29). In an era of firsts, a male will be installed as national president for the first time in PTA’s 113-year history. 

Representing a long line of visionary leaders since 1897 for an organization once known as the National Congress of Mothers, Charles “Chuck” Saylors will be the 51st president of National PTA and the first male to assume the position. 

As president, Saylors joins Byron V. Garrett, National PTA’s first-ever male African-American Chief Executive Officer, to continue the organization’s rich legacy of engaging parents, schools, legislators, and community leaders in improving children’s health, safety, and educational success.

“This should prove to men across the country that their participation in PTA is valued, welcomed, and needed,” said Saylors. “Times are different from 30 years ago.  Today, both parents work, and participation of all adults is needed now more than ever.  In fact, research shows that when men are involved children are more likely to achieve success socially, intellectually and academically.”
 
Saylors and Garrett will lead National PTA’s Board of Directors to continue long-term strategies and priorities that benefit families nationwide.  They’ll continue to integrate PTA's core values with the association's strategic plan to speak for every child with one voice.

The announcement comes on the heels of a study released recently by the National PTA and the National Center for Fathering that reports fathers are more involved in their child’s education than they were 10 years ago.  The report, (titled Survey of Father’s Involvement in Children’s Learning) shows double digit gains in the percentage of dads who are taking their child to school, visiting their classroom and attending school events. 

Dads have been making a difference in children’s lives and education for a long time. From parent-teacher conferences, to tutoring kids after school, father involvement in schools and in PTA continues to increase.   

Saylors will join a long list of notable men that have called attention to the importance of PTA, including U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton; California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; television personality and child advocate Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood; actor Bill Cosby; basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.; and race car driver Carl Edwards. 

**SAYLORS WILL BE INSTALLED ON SUNDAY, JUNE 28
AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM**

**MEDIA RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION FOR EVENT**

About National PTA
PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education health, and welfare of children and youth.