• PTA Overview

    The Madera Elementary School PTA exists to build a supportive community that provides volunteer support for school programs that nurture and educate Madera students.

    Here are some helpful ways to connect with the PTA:

    • The Madera PTA meets on the third Tuesday of the month throughout the school year (except November and January). Meeting details are announced in the Madera Monday Message (below). All PTA members are invited to attend.
    • The Madera PTA sends a weekly Madera Monday Message email with upcoming information, news, and events –.
    • To become a member of PTA and MEF, .
    • Contact the PTA: communications@maderaschool.org

    2023 – 2024 Madera PTA Leadership

    • President: Joe Fahs
    • Executive Vice President: Donna Simkovic
    • Recording Secretary: Corrinn Buchanan
    • Communications Coordinator: Ray Patterson
    • Treasurer: Amy Bennett
    • Historian: Valerie Logue
    • Volunteer Coordinator: Serena Allen
    • Parliamentarian: Mary Vargas

    PTA Meetings

    The Madera PTA regularly meets on the third Tuesday of each month throughout the school year (with the exception of December and February) starting at 7:30 pm. A meeting agenda is available in the Monday Message at least ten days before each meeting. All PTA members are invited to attend. Meetings are typically held in the Madera Library, or via Zoom.

    The PTA Executive Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month throughout the school year.

    PTA / MEF Procedures

    We’re grateful to have such a supportive school community. If you have suggestions on improvements to our policies, or about any other PTA or MEF program, please share your thoughts at a PTA meeting or with any PTA or MEF officer. Here are some common FAQs for PTA- or MEF-related procedures. 

    If you have any other questions regarding reimbursement policies, please ask the PTA or MEF Treasurer. 

    Can I get reimbursement from MEF or PTA?

    First, please make sure the purchase is approved by your committee leader or by the PTA or MEF, and within the budget. In most cases, members should spend their own money and then apply for reimbursement by completing a PTA Reimbursement form or MEF Reimbursement form, attaching receipts, and leaving it in the Treasurer’s box or mailing to ATTN:  PTA or MEF, 8500 Madera Drive, El Cerrito, CA 94530 for review, approval, and processing. Receipts should be neatly arranged, with reimbursable amounts circled or highlighted, and stapled to the top left corner of the or MEF reimbursement form.

    If you have any other questions regarding reimbursement policies, please ask the PTA or MEF Treasurer.

    Can the PTA/MEF pay a vendor directly?

    Yes. If direct payment is required, please note it CLEARLY on the reimbursement request. A copy of the vendor invoice must also be attached to the warrant. All payments made directly to the supplier will be mailed by US Post to the address on the reimbursement request, unless otherwise noted.

    I bought something for Madera last school year, can I get reimbursed now?

    Our budget is annual, so funds from one school year do not carry over to the next. Our fiscal year is July 1 through June 30. Please make sure your reimbursement request is submitted to the PTA/MEF within that time frame.

    I chaired a fundraiser. How do I deposit the money I collected?

    Chairs must deposit funds within 3 days after the event has ended. You must fill out a deposit slip (labeled Collections of Funds form) which are available on the middle shelf of the black cabinet in the office. Make sure that all money is counted in the presence of another PTA/MEF member and itemized correctly on the deposit slip. Once you fill out the Collection of Funds Form, please put everything together in an envelope and drop in the school safe. Please DO NOT leave money (especially cash) out in the open. For large deposits, please contact the PTA Treasurer at treasurer@maderapta.org for more guidenace.

    For all other deposits, please use the PTA reimbursement form and email to treasurer@maderapta.org.

    Where is the school safe?

    For a smaller deposit, there is a lock box inside the school office next to the door.

    Is my donation tax-deductible?

    Both Madera PTA and Madera Elementary Foundation are registered 501(c)(3) non-profits.

    Madera PTA Tax ID: 94-6184090

    Madera Elementary Foundation Tax ID: 47-5658402