We, the undersigned members of the Hasbrouck Heights Middle School/High School PTSA, formally petition for a Special General Membership Meeting to be held on April 7, 2025, and no later than April 10, 2025, in accordance with the three-week deadline set by the Board of Education.

Summary of Events Leading to This Petition
Concerns Raised: In September 2024, concerns regarding PTSA fundraising activities were brought to the Board of Education’s attention. Multiple requests for full financial disclosures were made over the following months.

Delayed Transparency: Despite ongoing communication, financial records were not provided until March 26, 2025. Upon review, the Board found evidence of severe financial mismanagement, potentially criminal in nature. The Board is now deliberating whether to refer this matter to law enforcement.

Disassociation Decision: As a result, the Board of Education voted to disassociate from the PTSA, terminating its formal relationship with the organization.

This means that, effective immediately, the PTSA:
✔ Cannot use school communication channels (emails, flyers, website) for fundraising or promotions.
✔ May not solicit funds from the school community using school resources.
✔ Has lost recognition as an affiliated school organization.

Purpose of the Special General Membership Meeting
In light of these serious developments, we call for this meeting to:
✔ Address leadership concerns and take necessary action.
✔ Ensure transparency regarding financial mismanagement.
✔ Determine the future of PTSA and parent involvement in our schools.

This petition seeks to protect the interests of our members and uphold the integrity of parent involvement in our district. We urge all PTSA members to support this request and ensure their voices are heard before the Board of Education’s deadline.

 
FORMAL LETTER TO PTSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Subject: Formal Petition for a Special General Membership Meeting

Dear Ms. Caiafa and the PTSA Board of Directors,

We, the undersigned members of the Hasbrouck Heights Middle School/High School PTSA, formally petition for a Special General Membership Meeting pursuant to Article XII, Section 3D of the New Jersey PTA Local PTA Bylaws, which permits special meetings to be called with five (5) days' notice, stating the purpose of the meeting.

Given the Board of Education’s decision to disassociate from the PTSA and concerns surrounding leadership, financial transparency, and the future of our organization, we believe this meeting is critical to address these urgent matters.

Requested Meeting Date & Agenda
We request this meeting be held on April 7, 2025, and no later than April 10, 2025, in accordance with the three-week deadline established by the Board of Education.

Proposed Agenda:
1️⃣ Call to Order
2️⃣ Reading and Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting
3️⃣ Discussion of Leadership Concerns
4️⃣ Presentation of Motion for Vote of No Confidence
5️⃣ Fundraiser Updates and Financial Transparency
6️⃣ Future Planning for Parent Involvement and Next Steps
7️⃣ Open Floor for Member Comments
8️⃣ Vote on Motion
9️⃣ Adjournment

Background & Need for Immediate Action
Financial Concerns: Since September 2024, concerns have been raised regarding PTSA fundraising activities. Despite repeated requests, full financial records were not disclosed until March 26, 2025. Upon review, the Board of Education identified severe financial mismanagement, potentially criminal in nature.

Board of Education's Disassociation: Due to these findings, the Board of Education has formally severed ties with the PTSA, restricting its ability to fundraise or operate through school channels.

Leadership Accountability: Given these serious concerns, membership must convene to assess PTSA leadership and take necessary action to protect the integrity of parent involvement.

Petition & Next Steps
Per PTSA bylaws, members have the authority to call special meetings. We demand that the PTSA Board respects this authority and facilitates an open discussion among the general membership.

Attached are the signatures of PTSA members in support of this request. If PTSA leadership fails to act within the required timeframe, we will escalate this matter to the New Jersey PTA, which must enforce compliance.

We appreciate your prompt attention and urge the PTSA Board to honor the membership’s right to this meeting.