2025–2026 OPES PTO Executive Committee

President — Sarah Ruffalo

The President serves as the principal executive officer of the PTO and provides leadership across all activities and committees.

Responsibilities:

• Presides over all General and Executive Board meetings

• Coordinates and supports committee chairs, volunteers, staff, and administration

• Develops meeting agendas and shares them with the Secretary at least 3 days in advance

• Signs financial documents as needed

• Oversees the formation of committees (with the Vice President)

• Establishes ad hoc committees as needed

• Represents the PTO and promotes its mission throughout the school community

• Performs additional duties as outlined in the bylaws or assigned by the Board

Vice President — Sara Mitchell

The Vice President supports the President and serves as a key liaison between the Executive Board, staff, and volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Acts as President when the President is unavailable

• Coordinates class volunteers, room parents, and communication for all PTO events

• Manages enrichment activity scheduling with administration

• Communicates directly with staff regarding luncheons and appreciation events

• Maintains updated staff rosters and “favorite things” lists

• Signs financial documents when President is unavailable

• Assists with committee coordination and ensures volunteer understanding of roles

• Performs duties as assigned by the President or Executive Board

Treasurer — Nina Etheridge

The Treasurer is responsible for managing all PTO finances and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains all financial documents and official tax records

• Drafts and manages the annual budget

• Reconciles invoices, issues payments, and deposits all income

• Provides monthly financial statements and budget updates

• Ensures all disbursements follow Board-approved budget guidelines

• Prohibits cash reimbursements and withdrawals; all transactions by check

• Manages check-signing (dual signature required) and debit card usage (limit: $100 without prior approval)

• Coordinates annual financial review by a CPA and implements recommendations

• Ensures financial transparency and compliance with PTO bylaws

Co-Secretaries — Kim Moore & Tamara Williams

The Co-Secretaries are responsible for maintaining records, distributing communications, and ensuring information flow across platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and distribute agendas and meeting minutes

• Keep PTO records organized and accessible

• Maintain PTO email and respond or forward inquiries appropriately

• Update calendar dates and ensure events are synced with OPES communications

• Post approved minutes to the website within 1 week of each meeting

• Maintain current copies of bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order

• Coordinate with Communications Chair for website and social updates

• Perform other duties as requested by the President or Board

2025–2026 OPES PTO Committees & Chairs

Community Outreach — Elizabeth Watson & Heather Tidwell

Encourages student and community involvement through meaningful service opportunities.

Key Projects:

• Thanks-GIVE-ing (November)

• Angel Tree (December)

• Creation and expansion of additional service projects throughout the year

Events Team — Annie Abbracciamento, Meghan Byerley, Lauren Caricato, Evelyn Everett, Nicole Marchesiello, Courtney Matinata, Elizabeth Carter, Jennifer Lown, Kimberley Werner, Leigh Atkinson, Megan Hall, Stacy Pacilio

Plans and executes PTO-sponsored school events throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees and staffs all school-wide PTO events (Boosterthon, Winter Dance, etc.)

• Coordinates with the Volunteers Chair to secure support

• Organizes décor through event-specific subcommittees

• Manages promotions, fliers, sales, and logistics with Communications Chair

• Leads both family and staff social events, birthday celebrations, and appreciation weeks

Fundraising — Madeline LeBlanc

Drives financial support for PTO initiatives through partnerships and fundraising campaigns.

Responsibilities:

• Secures and manages community sponsorships

• Collaborates with Communications Chair to recognize sponsors on social media

• Coordinates with event and fundraising sub-chairs to manage timelines and deliverables

• Key Campaigns:

  • Business & Family Sponsorships 

Hospitality Committee — Alicia White, Emily Zolotarev, Gretchen Garber, Erica Nagy, Allie Fry

Promotes a culture of appreciation and support for OPES staff.

Responsibilities:

• Staff Luncheons & Hospitality Cart

• Teacher Appreciation Week (collaborates with Events Team and Fundraising Chair)

• Coordinates and distributes birthday gift cards

• End-of-Year staff celebration

School Kitz — Leigh Atkinson

Liaison for OPES School Kitz supply kits and coordination with vendor and families.

Teacher Training Team — Jessica Varn & Meghan Dosch

Supports orientation and ongoing collaboration between PTO and OPES teachers.

Want to Get Involved?

We’d love your help! Roles evolve throughout the year, and new ideas are always welcome. Please email us at opespto@gmail.com to join a committee or learn more.