Press Release

Share Tweet Share The National Office of Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is proud to announce the hiring of its new Project Manager for Mississippi, Chiquikta Fountain. Fountain returns to the National Office after her term as the Executive Director of Delta Hands for Hope.   Fountain's career spans nearly two decades in community and family engagement, education advocacy, and organizing, with leadership roles in organizations such as AmeriCorps, the Children’s Defense Fund (SPARK), and a six-year tenure at PPS as a Parent Coach prior to leading Delta Hands for Hope.   With her wealth of knowledge, dedication to equity, and commitment...

Share Tweet Share Jackson, MS – Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is excited to announce that Jarred Gibson has been appointed as the organization’s Director of Organizational Advancement. This is a newly created position for PPS and a new role for Jarred who previously served as the North Carolina Project Manager for PPS.   With nearly two decades of experience championing educational equity, Gibson brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for public education to this pivotal leadership role.  “PPS National had a need for someone to focus on the resources needed to further develop a network of public...

Share Tweet Share Jackson, MS – Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is excited to announce it has been awarded a $150,000 grant from Family Values @ Work, a national network of 27 state and local coalitions that work together to ensure family-friendly workplace policies.  Through this grant, PPS will champion language justice and culture change work, ensuring all families—regardless of background or primary language—have access to the resources and support they need to advocate for strong public schools. This funding will also allow PPS to expand its efforts in advancing civic and voter engagement, promoting democracy defense, and supporting Black...

Share Tweet Share (JACKSON, MS, February 25, 2025) Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $215,120 grant from the Phil Hardin Foundation to support its Parent Engagement in Mississippi Public Schools project. For over 60 years, the Phil Hardin Foundation has been a catalyst for innovation in education, partnering with organizations that enhance learning opportunities and strengthen communities. This investment in PPS underscores the foundation’s commitment to educational opportunity and community improvement in Mississippi.  PPS works to bridge the gap between families and schools through workshops, leadership training, and community partnerships, ensuring...

Share Tweet Share (JACKSON, MS) Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is proud to announce its partnership with AT&T—an effort that will benefit families across the state of Mississippi in bridging the digital divide. As a result of this collaboration, PPS will distribute 125 laptops provided by AT&T and Human IT/Compudopt. Further, AT&T has also awarded PPS a $31,000 grant to support digital literacy training for families. The training sessions, which will be held in Moss Point, Leflore County, and Philadephia, Mississippi, will assist participating families in enhancing their technological skills and gain access to essential digital resources. “Ensuring families have...

Share Tweet Share JACKSON, MS - Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is proud to announce its membership with the Evidence Advocacy Center (EAC), a new organization dedicated to transforming the education system through evidence-based resources (EBRs). The expectation is that these resources, curated by trustworthy organizations, will inform education policy and practice, and will be utilized by state departments of education, school districts, educator preparation programs, policy makers, advocacy organizations, and parent and family advocates. The establishment of EAC marks a significant step toward enhancing public education by ensuring all students, especially those from vulnerable and marginalized populations, receive an...

Share Tweet Share (JACKSON, MS, February 21, 2024) Parents for Public Schools® (PPS) is thrilled to announce the receipt of a significant expansion grant aimed at fortifying efforts to enhance public education across North Carolina. This $140,000 grant, awarded by Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, will empower PPS to drive systemic change in collaboration with local partners, fostering a unified force for educational advancement across the state. With a steadfast commitment to equipping advocates at all levels---from local schools to school districts as well as at the state level---PPS will leverage its Parent Engagement Program (PEP) to drive impactful initiatives with...

Share Tweet Share (JACKSON, MS, October 17, 2023) Parents for Public Schools (PPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Beth Lardie as its new Director of Development. In this role, Sarah Beth will lead the organization’s fundraising and development efforts, driving the mission to new heights and ensuring a bright future for PPS. Joann Mickens, executive director of PPS says, “We are excited about bringing Sarah Beth onto our staff. Her knowledge and experience are just what we need to build our capacity and help ensure our future sustainability.” Sarah Beth brings nearly two decades of experience in...

Share Tweet Share (JACKSON, MS, September 22, 2023) Parents for Public Schools (PPS) is pleased to announce a three-year, $550,000 grant received from founder and supporter, Dick Molpus. The grant focuses on the long-term sustainability of the organization by providing funds to add a staff member focused on development and fundraising. Additional funding will strengthen PPS’ national infrastructure and initiatives as well as its chapters’ work across the nation. Further, this grant will aid in building the organization’s capacity to continue its advocacy on behalf of the nation’s public schools. Joann Mickens, Executive Director of PPS, stated: “We are honored that our...

Share Tweet Share (JACKSON, MS, September 22, 2023) Parents for Public Schools (PPS) is pleased to announce the appointment of five new directors to its national board: Cindy Arriagada, Executive Director Assistant, NC Foundation for Public School Children; Stephen Brooks, Ed Foundation CEO, Alameda County Office of Education; Karen Harrington, Director of Student Services, Pitt County Schools (NC); Andrea Jones-Davis, Director of Course Gateway, Educause; and Thomas Reynolds, Attorney and Mississippi State Representative. In commenting on the new appointments, PPS National Executive Director Joann Mickens stated, "We are privileged to have these excellent volunteer leaders join us as we look...