Creekside Elementary PTA
Tuesday, November 11, 2025

General Board Meeting Minutes

                     ________________________________________________________________

 

 

  • Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance - Catherine
  • Approval of previous general meeting minutes – Carolina
    • Carolina motioned to approve
    • Kemper second
  • Principal Report – Quen
    • No updates- still working on scoreboard and does not have news at this time.

 

  • Fundraisers - Kemper
    • Titans $10 kickback for all 3 upcoming games for tickets purchased.
    • Franktown Festival of Lights has not responded regarding kickback possibilities this year, concerns with short staffing as well as not wanting to share profit.
      • **Since the meeting we have scheduled a spirit night on Monday, December 15 from 5-9 p.m. Drive through the Franktown lights at the Ag Center.  Mention Creekside at the gate and we earn 15% back for our school!
    • The total discussed in our last board meeting on 11/9 from Chick Fil A was inclusive of the kickback from Otterfest- so spirit night was slightly lower than originally reported but still a strong night (over a $500 profit).
  • Holiday Spirit Sale/Spiritwear Interest - Carolina
    • Discussed that we are planning on having an Otter Madness Flash Sale, in addition to new limited edition spiritwear items.
    • Asked parents in attendance for their opinion, parents agreed they did not feel a need for more spirit wear, but would love to see stocking stuffer items and smaller items like beanies, winter caps, etc.
  • Financial Report – Jackson
    • Otterfest revenue vs expenses
      • ~23k in tickets and wristbands
      • ~21k in donations/sponsors
      • ~7k kick back from vendors
      • Budgeted to hit 40k, reached about 43k profit.
      • Silent auction brought in a little over $12k vs 20k last year. No baskets this year is what caused the difference. 
  • Community Events Survey Results  - Carolina
    • Otterfest thoughts and feedback
      • Parents in attendance mentioned this was the best Otterfest they have experienced.
      • No one thought we had less activities and vendors. 
      • There was a lot of interest on food trucks such as pizza, where it is more casual
      • There was also much interest towards a designated eating area with tables
      • Overall very positive. 
    • Trunk or Treat thoughts and feedback
      • Parents in attendance loved the idea of a popcorn or hot chocolate bar in addition.
      • Definitely need more candy, did not expect the turnout we had
      • Overall, all agree that the demand is very much there, lots of discussion about “next time”, wanting this to be yearly.
      • Parents said this was a phenomenal memory maker with their kids and they absolutely loved the experience. 
  • President Report – Catherine

 

  • Membership information - 249 members at time of meeting.

 

  • Open Position on PTA Board 26-27 year- Treasurer
    • Jackson discussed this role and requirements, such as flexibility and availability to  jump in and be a team player, present in monthly meetings and events, must have accounting experience, specifically quickbooks and Microsoft office proficiency. 
  • Open Discussion:
  1. What do parents want to see more of at Creekside?
    • Events during non-school hours, for parents who work during the day
  1. How can we help Creekside families feel more connected and supported?
    • Arrington or outing for parents could be fun
  1. Do you have any ideas for community events, similar to trunk or treat, at Creekside
    • Creekside 5k- Splash Dash (nice, Kemper). Could be timed, create a path, make it fun for kids and parents alike. 
    • Craft Nights- Quen is actually working with the teachers in discussing a Related Arts Night- she heard of PE Parent Nights and wants to see how we could do something like that. She will let PTA know if she needs support. 
  1. What types of things do you like to see money spent on as a parent and donor of Creekside?
    • Parents would really like to better understand why we need to fundraise. 
    • Parents were shocked that Creekside received ~$3 per student for Art supplies for the entire school year, similar for all Related Arts- so our supplemental $1k+ per child is what allows for the experiences we provide. 
    • Would love to see some sort of visual of where we start without PTA funding for all school year (art, PE, teacher grants, etc) and how much is needed to meet the needs/goals of the teachers and school
    • Parents mentioned wanting to be able to donate to something directly- say if a teacher wants books or something educational or an activity for their grade. Mentioned we need to reach out and use the connections we have in our community because sometimes parents can donate the item we are looking for or have a connection who can provide it. 
    • Parents loved the toys/equipment provided by PTA for car loop recess
    • Ideas were floated around such as “Adopt a Teacher” if a teacher does not get a grant, parents can donate directly to it. A school Need or Wish List with the why behind the items so parents can donate to it. Inform parents of the activities we want to do for the year, say in Art,and explain how much this would cost to give an idea of how much needs to be fundraised and again the why
    • Parents were shocked that the 6 clubs come from school budget and the teachers only get paid $700 for the year for their leading of the clubs.
    • A discussion was had about fundraising for clubs and clubs being eligible for grants.
    • Bottom like is parents want to know where we start the year with county funding and what the gaps are that PTA funds fill in that they don’t even know about like the art $ per student and how low that is, etc. Feel this would be super beneficial in why there is the ask for funding. 
  1. How can we involve more volunteers? Where do parents look to find information?
    • Continue to reach out via social media
    • Quen’s weekly newsletter is their number one source of information so ensuring items are added to this when important