Islip School District Board of Education President and chair of the National PTA Election Committee Catherine M. Romano visited the nation’s capital on August 10 as part of a group of parents and education advocates for an all-day meeting with White House and federal government leaders on education and other topics facing children.

Dozens of White House and federal government leaders were in attendance, including White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President Valerie Jarrett, Chief of Staff to the First Lady Tina Tchen and Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education Jim Shelton.
    
“It was an absolute honor to be at the White House to discuss a topic as important as our nation’s students,” remarked Ms. Romano. “Our local community understands that investing in our children is investing in our future, and that the time for education reform is now. I was proud to convey that message to White House and Department of Education leaders in Washington, and through my work with the PTA.”

In addition to the policy briefing, Ms. Romano also attended a special event at which 12 PTA members were recognized as White House Champions of Change for their work in improving the lives of children through involvement in PTA and education.