Lead the PTA: 2026–2027 Board Elections

Lead the PTA: 2026–2027 Board Elections · Northeast PTA
Northeast Elementary
Northeast Elementary PTA · Montclair, NJ
§ An honest ask from your PTA Board

Northeast needs new PTA leaders.

Without them, next year looks very different.

Hi Northeast Families,

We're writing with a more direct ask than usual. Northeast PTA is at risk of going into next year without the leadership it needs — and that matters because the PTA is what makes the assemblies, the GloBall, classroom support, community events, and so much more of what your kids experience here actually possible.

We need one or two parents to step up. Here's where things stand.

— Vote in person · Monday, June 8

6–7 PM · Northeast Elementary library

Board elections happen at our last PTA meeting of the year. Please come — especially if you want a voice in next year's leadership.

Jun 8
Monday · 6 PM
§ Where each role stands for 2026–2027
🚨 Critically open

President / Co-President

Melissa Cortale Fernandes is stepping down. Helen Black is willing to continue — but only if she has a Co-President or Vice President alongside her. Or: two new parents can step in together for President + VP and run things fresh. Either way works — we just need one of these paths to happen.

🚨 Critically open

Vice President

Or a second Co-President role — either format works. Pair with Helen, or come in as part of a brand-new leadership duo.

🚨 Open

Treasurer

Joyce Chow is stepping down after a year of incredible work. The good news: Joyce has spent her time standardizing the books and building clean systems — the role is in better shape than it's ever been for whoever steps in next. No bookkeeping background required.

Already covered for 2026–2027
✓ Incumbent running

Secretary · Melissa Mehl

Running for her current position again. Challengers welcome.

✓ Incumbent running

Director of Communications · Lucas Deichl

Newsletter, social, comms. Running for his current position again. Challengers welcome.

— What's at stake

The PTA is the engine behind so much of what makes Northeast feel like Northeast.

A non-exhaustive list of what gets harder — or stops happening — without a President and Treasurer:

School-wide assemblies and visiting performers
The GloBall and classroom enrichment
Field Day, Talent Show, Oliver Jr., Soccerthon
Teacher appreciation and classroom support
The Fun Run and every fundraising event that funds the rest
Community-building events across the school year

Without a President and Treasurer, those things can't continue at the level they do today. We need parents who care to step in — even just to learn, ask questions, or share the load.

Just curious? Just want to chat?

That's exactly the right place to start. None of this is binding — reach out and we'll have a real conversation about what each role actually looks like day-to-day. Pick whichever feels easiest:

— Four ways to reach out
📧 Email the Nominating Committee
Alicia Soto, Liz Purtill, and Leslie Crowley.
👋 Catch any board member
Helen, Melissa, Joyce, Lucas, or Melissa Mehl — at pickup, drop-off, or anywhere around school.
💬 WhatsApp, text, or phone
Email us and we'll send you a number.
✉️ General PTA inbox
Email the Nominating Committee →
Or share this post with a friend you think would be great for one of these roles.
— With deep care for Northeast,

Helen Black & Melissa Cortale Fernandes

NE PTA Co-Presidents

Current PTA Board
Melissa Cortale Fernandes & Helen Terrero-Black, Co-Presidents
Joyce Chow, Treasurer
Melissa Mehl, Secretary
Lucas Deichl, VP Communications
The Global Magnet School · Grades K–5
© 2026 Northeast Elementary PTA