The Buzz: Election Day
For many parent groups, public elections provide an opportunity to gain visibility in the community and raise money while doing so.
September 2008
More Than Muffins
In addition to the bake sales traditionally held at many schools, some parent groups are trying something different. The Mills Lawn Elementary PTO in Yellow Springs, Ohio, plans to hold a spaghetti dinner on election night, with students, parents, and staff pitching in to feed hungry voters.
On Super Tuesday this past February, the Hemenway Elementary PTO in Framingham, Mass. collected box tops from voters, publicizing the collection in advance in the local newspaper.
Security Issues
While many parent groups capitalize on election day crowds in schools, others are asking school districts to keep kids at home while voters are in the building.
In the suburban Chicago area, a parent council asked the Indian Prairie School District 204 to cancel classes on election day because of security concerns. The board approved the plan. “If you’re allowing the general public into the building, then we’re worried about our kids,” school board president Mark Metzger told a local newspaper.
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An additional 31 Chicago-area school districts have announced that they will not hold classes on election day in November.
