Franklin Elementary’s PTA has earned national recognition for its work to make family involvement more representative of the community it serves.
The Franklin Elementary PTA has received the National PTA Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award, becoming the first PTA in Utah to receive the honor. The national award recognizes local PTAs for efforts to remove barriers and build more inclusive and equitable school communities.
National PTA recognized Franklin for changes made over the past three years, including significant growth in PTA participation and increased representation among Latino parents, fathers, and school employees.
“This achievement belongs to our entire community,” Franklin Elementary Principal Brookanne Dalby said. “It demonstrates that when we intentionally open doors and create linguistically and culturally accessible spaces, our Hispanic families and the entire school community respond with an unwavering commitment to our children’s education.”
Franklin’s PTA membership grew from 37 members to 94 active members. That growth included increased participation from Latino parents as well as 12 fathers and 19 faculty members. The PTA’s leadership structure also expanded, creating a larger and more representative council with additional leadership and committee positions focused on equity.
The Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented to a select group of local PTAs across the country each year. Franklin was recognized for practices centered on inclusion, family participation and open communication.
The award is named for former National PTA President Jan Harp Domene, whose work focused on bringing families from different backgrounds into public schools. Franklin Elementary PTA will also receive a $1,000 prize to support continued diversity and belonging efforts at the school.
The recognition is exemplary of Franklin Elementary’s ongoing work strengthening connections between families and the school, creating a culturally responsive community where families take active roles in youth education. Congratulations, Franklin, and thank you.
