What is Parents for Public Schools?

PPS is a national organization founded here in Mississippi in 1989. Today, there are 17 PPS chapters in 11 states. In Mississippi, PPS parents build coalitions with community organizations to support and strengthen quality public schools. By organizing and training parents, PPS helps parents hold districts accountable for results. PPS members are involved in school reform and advocacy work that directly influences student achievement.

What does PPS do?

PPS works on a school, school district, state, and national level to improve education for all children. This can mean training parents to serve on the school board or a school site council, assisting with a school district budget committee, or implementing a plan to reduce dropouts. PPS chapters sponsor monthly luncheons on education issues and conduct intensive six-day Parent Leadership Institute forums to inform parents how school districts work. PPS identifies local school district needs and provides training and information to parents and the public about how to resolve problems and build relationships to improve schools for all children.

PPS works with other advocacy organizations to develop local and state policy and to involve parents in the decisions made by administrators.

What is Schoolhouse to Statehouse?

Schoolhouse to Statehouse is a statewide program developed by PPS to strengthen public education throughout the state of Mississippi. Schoolhouse to the Statehouse seeks to improve public education for all by focusing on: local schools; local school districts; and the Mississippi Legislature and state education policy-makers.

PPS is building a powerful statewide movement of parents who share our vision of quality schools for all children. There are three steps in this effort:

1. Organizing and Advocacy: We reach across neighborhoods and district lines to bring parents together to work on common solutions to common problems. PPS gives thousands of parents a place at the table with other organizations working for better schools in Mississippi.
   
   
2. Building Leadership: We are increasing the capacity of our parents through the Parent Leadership Institute and other training opportunities. PPS parents learn accountability standards, budget policies, and how school systems really work.
   
   
3. Public Awareness: PPS parents form a statewide network of leaders to raise awareness for school reform. PPS supports the mission of The Parents’ Campaign, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving state and legislative education efforts.

The goal of Schoolhouse to Statehouse is to increase the number of parent leaders who serve on school boards, lead volunteer efforts that improve academic achievement, and participate in other meaningful ways to reform education in Mississippi. PPS parents are equipped with the skills necessary to broaden the work done by traditional volunteer parent organizations.

Is this a government program or affiliated with the State Department of Education?

No. Parents for Public Schools is a nonprofit organization.

I’m interested in the Mississippi Legislature. Does PPS work on state education issues?

PPS parents are active on behalf of public schools at the local, state, and national level. In Mississippi, we support the work of The Parents’ Campaign, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that monitors state education policy and the Mississippi Legislature.

PPS does not employ a lobbyist, endorse candidates for public office, or make donations to political candidates.

Do I have to pay to join?

No. Participation in most PPS events is free of charge. If you would like to make a donation to support PPS, you can here.

How can I get involved?

You can sign up to receive emails and news from PPS. PPS has staff across the state organizing parents. For more information on how to join our mailing list or reach a PPS parent advocate, please send us an email or call our office at 1-800-880-1222.