Utah PTA History

For more than 125 years, National Parent Teacher Association (National PTA®) has worked toward bettering the lives of every child in education, health and safety. Founded in 1897 as the National Congress of Mothers by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst, National PTA is a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

Our founders represented women of imagination and courage. They had a simple idea—to improve the lives and future of all children. They understood the power of individual action, worked beyond the accepted barriers of their day, and took action to change the world for all children. On Feb., 17, 1897, more than 2,000 people—mostly mothers, but also fathers, teachers, laborers and legislators—attended the first convocation of the National Congress of Mothers in Washington, D.C. Utah had 3 delegates at the first National PTA Convention in 1897. In 1970, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA) and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT)—founded by Selena Sloan Butler in Atlanta, Ga.—merged to serve all children.

Today’s PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. Utah PTA has been there from the beginning.

As the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation, National PTA is the conscience of the country for children and youth issues. Through advocacy, as well as family and community education, National PTA has established programs and called for legislation that improves our children’s lives, such as:

Creation of Kindergarten classes
Child labor laws
Public health service
Hot and healthy lunch programs
Juvenile justice system
Mandatory immunization
Arts in Education
School Safety

Utah PTA has been at the forefront in helping students and schools for many decades. Below is a brief summary of the major milestones and accomplishments of the Utah PTA:

1847 - 1919

1847 - The first school was opened in Salt Lake Valley by Mary Jane Dilworth.
1897 - Three Utah delegates attended the first National Congress meeting in Washington, D.C.
1898 - Utah Congress of Mothers was formed by Mrs. C. E. Allen, one of Utah’s delegates to the National Congress.
1899 - At a Utah Congress of Mothers Convention, reports were given by twenty delegates from throughout the state.
1901 - Utah Congress of Mothers ceased to function as a state association.
1912 - NEA Department of School Patrons reported “Utah...has been meeting throughout the year and working for improved health conditions for school children.”
1912 - In Provo School District the Home and School Association was organized based upon the National Congress.
1914 - In March at Lafayette School, a permanent central parent-teacher organization was created, known as the Home and School League of Salt Lake City.
1914 - In May a constitution and bylaws were adopted. A survey was conducted to determine what patrons wanted children taught in sewing and cooking. Also comprehensive work was done on Motion Pictures for Young People.
1917 - Many successful parent classes on domestic science were held as a result of a survey on home economy.
1918 - As a part of the war effort a health survey of preschool children was made. House Bill #44 passed adding to responsibilities for the Home School League “An act creating the office of Director of Health Education...and providing for the promotion of the physical welfare of children of preschool age.”

1920 - 1950

1920 - An extensive Parent Education Project was developed throughout the state.
1925 - Utah joined the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.
1929 - Utah won the National Banner for the greatest increase in membership.
1929 - The first annual convention of the Utah Congress of Parents and Teachers was held.
1931 - A state office was located at 149-1/2 Regent Street, Salt Lake City, for which $10 a year rent was paid.
1932 - A new office, Room Mother or Room Representative, was created.
1933 - Summer Round-up was started. The Congress had the responsibility to “round up” the children for examination and to urge parents to have any defects corrected before the opening of school.
1935 - Warm lunches were provided for 1,200 children who left home early and rode long distances in buses.
1936 - Through the kindness of the Salt Lake City Board of Education, office space, equipment and service were allotted for the Utah Congress in the Lafayette School.
1938 - On May 15-20 the 42nd National Convention was held in Salt Lake City.
1940 - Articles of incorporation were obtained.
1942 - Convention theme “America Strong, with Spirit Free.” A war emergency committee was appointed. It worked for the identification of all children, the appointment of Block Mothers, the evacuation of children in the event of disaster and for the collection of materials for the use of local units.

1951 - 1989

1951 - Every school in the state had a PTA.
1952 - Utah inaugurated a unique plan: a school for the study of alcoholism was held on the Utah State University campus.
1953 - Utah PTA moved from Lafayette School to space in the new UEA building at 312 East South Temple.
1955 - By 1955 Utah had contributed $9,623 for National PTA headquarters in Chicago—more than the pledged quota.
1956 - Credit was due to the Utah Congress for the legislative passage of driver education and library service bills.
1958 - Utah Congress membership surpassed 100,000 members.
1961 - On January 2, the Utah Congress acquired its first permanent headquarters at 1037 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. In April, it moved into the new office.
1969 - Utah State Board of Managers was reduced from 45 to 27 members.
1970 - Critical Issues Conferences began.
1971 - Five commissions replaced the former eight state directors.
1972 - 74 - A Special Emphasis was placed on well trained volunteers. Summer training became the norm in addition to the Annual Leadership Convention. Special Training Materials were created that focused on Volunteer development and a book was produced and given to each local unit.
1973 - 74 - Area apportionment study created 18 regions; Sound Off, a state-wide newsletter, began circulation.
1974 - marked the 50th year of Utah PTA with an honorary luncheon for past presidents as well as a 50 year history booklet (attached below)
1976 - Utah PTA launched the “Safe Sidewalk Program”
1976 - The Utah PTA’s Alcohol Awareness was one of the twenty best projects submitted to National PTA and earned a $1,000 grant.
1976 - National PTA started a massive project on TV Violence. Utah PTA became fully supportive of the effort.
1976 - 77 - Membership increase of 10,000 members - one of eighteen states to have an increase, and an increase that was higher than any other state.
1980 - Beehive Unit created
1980 - 1981 – Board members along with family members renovated the state office on South Temple, often staying into the wee hours. Students from Utah State and vocational students from Granite District also helped. The upstairs attic was transformed into a conference room. The before leaky basement became a worthy and secure storage area for history books.
1981 - Membership was 130,739, an increase of 27,966 members over 1980 numbers.
1981 - State Leadership Convention was the largest ever held in Utah with 2500 delegates.
1981 - Home tutor packets were developed to help parents teach in the home. A local dairy used some of the home tutor tips on their milk cartons and Governor Scott Matheson declared, “NOW, THEREFORE, I, Scott M. Matheson, Governor of the State of Utah, do hereby declare the month of March, 1981 as BE A BETTER PARENT MONTH and call upon all parents and prospective parents in the State of Utah to reflect upon the meaning of family life to themselves, to their children, to their children’s children and to our nation.”
1987 - A wall in the office was removed and extensive redecorating on the first floor was accomplished.
1988 - The 92nd National PTA Convention was held in Salt Lake City.

1990 - 1999

1990 - Through diligent effort by its state-wide legislative network, the Utah Congress was instrumental in averting a teachers’ strike.
1990 - A partnership between the Utah PTA and State Office of Education formed the Utah Center for Families in Education.
1990 - The second phase of the redecoration and restoration of the office began, to finish the downstairs and begin upstairs.
1990 - Utah won every major award given at the National PTA Convention in Indianapolis.
1990 - Collection and preservation of the records and history of the Utah Congress was begun by the University of Utah.
1990 - The first statewide parent involvement conference was held.
1991 - First state-wide self-esteem conference was held.
1991 - Utah PTA and KUED presented the first “Golden Apple” Awards.
1991 - The Utah Legislature and Governor Bangerter proclaimed February as PTA month.
1991 - First state PTSA Convention held in conjunction with Utah PTA Convention at BYU.
1992 - Due to PTA efforts, the Utah Legislature passed seven bills dealing with the management of the school trust lands.
1992 - Education and Family Life Commission was divided into two separate commissions.
1992 - First Parent Summit held. Key business, community and education leaders met to discuss needs and an action plan for parental involvement. Mission Statement developed and adopted.
1992 - “Knowledge Revolution” pilot program introduced in Utah.
1993 - Influential in legislation mandating funding of kindergarten.
1993 - Governor signs proclamation adopting the seventh educational goal for Utah 2000 concerning parent involvement.
1994 - Passage of School Trust Lands Management Act.
1994 - Family Education Plan (FEP) expanded.
1994 - Membership increase of over 4,000 members.
1994 - Sound Off changed to PTA Perspectives.
1995 - Reached membership goal of 150,000 (150,479).
1995 - Utah PTA recruited 50 families to help the foster care program in Utah.
1995 - Utah PTA participates in the Anti-gang violence "Not My Kid" work force.
1996 - Parent Involvement Task Force was formed and six bills passed to enhance parent involvement.
1996 - Utah PTA helps pass bills for SEP/SEOP funding and the Utah School Trustland fund.
1996 - An SEP/SEOP training video produced with Utah Center for Families in Education.
1996 - 12,000 families trained in FEP with Utah Center for Families.
1996 - Extensive office remodeling took place to accommodate expanding office technology.
1996 - Extensive outdoor landscaping completed.
1996 - Record appropriations to education through the legislature including funding of SEP/SEOPs.
1996 - The Utah PTA float "Helping Children Reach for the Stars" took the sweepstakes award in the Provo Freedom Festival parade and participated in the Days of '47 Parade.
1996 - Partnership with BYU public relations class produced five marketing plans for PTA.
1996 - Utah PTA had over 66,000 Students participate in Reflections. The theme was "It Could Happen".
1996 - Over 1,746,072 volunteer hours given from throughout the state.
1996 - First Council President Conference held.
1997 - 100th Year Celebration.
1997 - Utah PTA went "online."
1997 - Region 20 created in Washington County.
1998 - Utah received a $10,000 New Initiatives Grant from National PTA.
1998 - Three new Reflections categories were created and piloted in Utah: Dance, Theater and Film/Video.
1998 - In October Utah PTA received a Federal Goals 2000 grant for Parent Information and Family Resource Centers. The four-year grant amounted to $2,000,000.
1998 - Office front room turned into office for three employees for the Resource Centers.
1998 - First President's Outreach held across the state.
1998 - PTA office put on an entirely new roof at a cost of $17,000.
1998 - Over 2.1 million volunteer hours given.
1999 - School Trust Lands Exchange Bill signed in January by President Clinton, the biggest land exchange since the Louisiana Purchase.
1999 - New Utah PTA Mission Statement and logo were introduced at Utah PTA Convention.
1999 - Honorary Membership chair, actress Roma Downey, was announced at the Utah PTA Convention. A videotaped message was presented.

2000 - Present

2000 - Utah PTA Board restructured with eight executive committee members. Commissioners now serve under the Vice President for Programs. More Board work is now assigned to Appointees.
2000 - Statewide training held on National Parent Involvement Standards and Building Successful Partnerships.
2000 - Divided the annual Convention into a Leadership Convention and a Business & Resolutions Convention.
2001 - Dr. Joyce Epstein, Director of the Center on Family, School, and Community Partnerships, Professor of Sociology at Johns Hopkins University was the keynote speaker at the Utah PTA Leadership Convention.
2001 - Statewide collaboration between Utah PTA, USOE, and UEA on the Partnership Network and Building Successful Partnerships Program.
2001 - Utah PTA moved to a new office at 5192 South Greenpine Drive in Murray, Utah. Elder L. Tom Perry dedicated the building.
2002 - 1st Annual Utah PTA Road Trip to promote community involvement and membership.
2002 - Utah PTA was part of CLASS and the Governor's Olympic Music program.
2003 - Utah PTA formed partnership with National Alliance for Mentally Ill of Utah (NAMI) and their "Hope for Tomorrow" Program.
2003 - Utah PTA Art Education Fund Created.
2003 - Utah PTA presented a check for $62,263,860 to Governor Olene Walker representing PTA volunteer hours.
2003 - First Lady of Utah, Jacklyn Leavitt accompanied Utah PTA on the annual Road Trip across Utah.
2004 - Seven teachers from Iraq visited Utah PTA to learn of safety ideas for their students.
2005 - Parent Involvement Resolution passed by State School Board.
2005 - Seven teachers from Saudi Arabia visited Utah PTA to learn how to encourage parental involvement in their schools.
2005 - Utah PTA initiated the Arts in Education Fund.
2005 - Utah PTA partnered with NAMI to support their "Hope for Tomorrow" Suicide Prevention Program.
2007 - PTA becomes founding member of Utahns for Public Schools, promoting public education and fighting for repeal of voucher legislation. Collects 94,000 signatures to put hte vote on the November ballot.
2008 - Utah PTA receives the National PTA Advocacy Award
2010 - Utah PTA President was invited to set on Governor Herbert's "Excellence in Education" Committee.
2010 - Thousands of students across Utah were reached in anti-drug assemblies by Utah PTA Honorary Membership Chair, Heather Anderson.
2010 - Utah PTA received the "Measure Up" Award by the Utah Senate for work with Parents Empowered on anti-alcohol drinking in minors.
2013 - Utah PTA developed the Special Needs Committee.
2013 - Utah PTA joined the Intergenerational Poverty Committee. '
2015 - Utah PTA received the "Friend of Trust" Award from SITLA for work on Trustlands.
2015 - Utah PTA included in the Education First and Prosperity 2020 programs.
2016 - Utah PTA helped implement the Comprehensive Support Model Counseling program with Ogden School District.
2016 - Utah PTA was instrumental in the passage of Constitutional Amendment that increased and stabilized funds distributed to Utah schools from the permanent State School Trust Fund.
2018 - National PTA passed Utah PTA Resolution “High Expectations for Students with Disabilities”
2020 - The Utah PTA Leadership Convention was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual training was given through 2-3 weekly Workshop Wednesday webinars for 13 weeks.
2020 - Advocacy Conference is held virtually for the first time and included virtual votes on bylaws amendments and resolutions.
2020 - Utah PTA was instrumental in gathering support to defeat a proposed sales tax increase on food and for the passage of Amendment G, which caused a bill to go into effect that provided new guarantees for education funding.
2020 - Reflections entries were first accepted online on the Utah PTA website with nearly 12,000 online entries.
2021 - The Utah Capitol was closed to the public and all legislative meetings were held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021- PTA Day at the Capital was held virtually for the first time with breakout rooms with local legislators.
2021 - Utah PTA collaborated with others in the special education community to defeat a bill that would have hurt special education funding.
2021 - Award entries, scholarship entries, bylaws renewals and President reports were accepted on the Utah PTA website for the first time.
2021 - The Utah PTA Leadership Convention was held as a hybrid conference for the first time with 350 virtual attendees and 350 in person attendees. Masks were required. Virtually attendees were able to vote through zoom polls.

Utah PTA Past Presidents

1925 - 1931 — Mrs. William Reid	1931 - 1935 — Mrs. John K. Hardy	1935 - 1938 — Mrs. Arch J. West
1938 - 1943 — Mrs. Lee K. Nicholson	1943 - 1945 — Mrs. Edmund P. Evans	1945 - 1947 — Mrs. Eric A. Johnson
1947 - 1952 — Mrs. Charles L. Walker	1952 - 1955 — Mrs. Donald E. Rose	1955 - 1958 — Mrs. H. Cecil Baker
1958 - 1959 — Mrs. George H. Jones	1959 - 1961 — Dr. Ellvert H. Himes	1961 - 1964 — Mrs. James W. Ure III
1964 - 1967 — Mr. Rowan C. Stutz	1967 - 1970 — Mrs. Youngs McGregor	1970 - 1972 — Lila Bjorklund
1972 - 1974 — Joan Burnside	1974 - 1976 — Dixie Nelson	1976 - 1978 — Mrs. Jack L. Smith
1978 - 1981 — Darlene Hutchison	1981 - 1983 — Gayle Judd	1983 - 1985 — Donna Davies
1985 - 1987 — Lenora Plothow	1987 - 1989 — Darlene Gubler	1989 - 1991 — Pat Hales
1991 - 1993 — Joyce Muhlestein	1993 - 1995 — Mareid B. Horton	1995 - 1997 — Linda M. Parkinson
1997 - 1999 — Barbara Willie	1999 - 2001 — Colleen Taylor	2001 - 2003 — Susan Dayton
2003 - 2005 — JoAnn Nielson	2005 - 2007 — Carmen Snow	2007 - 2009 — Marilyn Simister
2009 - 2011 — Ilene Mecham	2011 - 2013 — Gainell Rogers	2013 - 2015 — Liz Zentner
2015 - 2017 — Dawn Davies	2017 - 2019 — Jeana Stockdale	2019 - 2021 — Laney Benedict
2021 - 2023 — Stacey Mollinet

February 24, 2022 Past Presidents Picture

Back row: Darlene Hutchison, Dawn Davies, Carmen Snow, Ilene Mecham, Linda Parkinson, Marilyn Simister
Front row: Jeana Stockdale, Gainell Rogers, Stacey Mollinet, Liz Zentner, JoAnn Nielson

March 1991 Past President's Picture

Back Row: Helen Ure, Dixie Nelson, Darlene Gubler, Donna Davies, Lila Bjorklund, Pat Hales

Front Row: Darlene Hutchison, Edna Baker, Beulah Walker, Irene McGregor