2003 Convention Resolutions

[Printable PDF file in Membership Library]

Unfiltered Internet Access
Resolved that Virginia PTA seeks legislation that restricts receipt of state and/or local funding by public schools, libraries, and other public facilities that do not provide Internet filtering software on computers used by minors, and be it further

Resolved that parents be encouraged to adopt a home Internet "acceptable use policy" for their children, discuss Internet safety and provide supervision while online, and be it further

Resolved that Virginia PTA encourages PTA districts, councils and local units to distribute copies of this Resolution to public schools, libraries and other public facilities where children use computers, speaking before those governing bodies responsible for these public facilities, advocating for "obscenity and pornography" free computers for children's use in the absence of Internet filtering software.

Cigarette Tax and SOQ Funding
Resolved that Virginia PTA supports legislation to increase the cigarette tax above the current 2.5 cents pare pack with proceeds from a tax increase directed exclusively toward funding Virginia's Standards of Quality and/or health initiatives.

Height and Weight Data Collection
Resolved that Virginia PTA supports the Department of Education and Virginia Department of Health in their initiatives to seek and institute legislation to have height and weight measured and data collected in all public schools in Kindergarten, 3rd, 7th, and 10th grades; and be it further

Resolved that Virginia PTA supports the Governor's initiatives related to childhood obesity through the data collection of the height and weight of students in the above listed public school grade levels and for the sharing of this data with state agencies; and be it further

Resolved that Virginia PTA supports legislation by the General Assembly of Virginia to amend and re-enact the Code of Virginia, Section 22.1-273, to read: sight, hearing, height, and weight of pupil to be tested and measured; and be it further

Resolved that Virginia PTA, in conjunction with Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department of Health, and Virginia Action for healthy kids, shall educate parents, students, administrators, and faculty on the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.

Two resolutions failed (Resolutions committee recommended not to adopt either): Later School Start Times for Older Adolescents and Equalized Taxing Authority Among Counties and Cities