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Heather Moore: Leading Through a Time of Uncertainty

As the new school year gets ready to start, big changes are also coming to the Clinton PTA. Earlier this summer Heather Moore was selected by the organization to be the group’s new president.

Heather began her introduction to the PTA several years ago when some of the events the group was holding caught her attention.

“Originally I was just showing up when they had speakers or events,” Heather recalls.

As she kept going to the events, Heather says she met more people and learned more about the organization. After several years of attending the events, Heather eventually joined the PTA and was a board member for four years.

“And a couple years later here I am,” Heather says with a laugh.

Being president of the PTA was initially not something Heather had her sights on.

“I’m more of a behind-the-scenes worker bee to be honest,” Heather says.

But then as the previous leaders of the PTA were opting to step out of their roles in the organization, Heather says she was nominated and began to consider the role.

“I was nervous about it and but it was kind of the right time,” says Heather. “I knew it was something I believed in and I wanted to make sure it was done right.”

Typically, the PTA hosts different events for the community throughout the year such as speakers or presentations on issues relevant to raising children. But due to the COVID-19 outbreak this year has been anything but typical.

“Obviously this year is completely different. It’s kind of been hit the ground running,” Heather says. “We kind of have to reinvent ourselves and right now the number one thing on people’s minds is the reopening.”

According to Heather, the PTA will try to assist with the reopening schools by sharing relevant information such as important updates so that parents are kept aware of the latest development from the schools.

Heather says her main message she wants people to underhand is that she wants people to feel like they have a community that supports them.

“I certainly would love to see with all we’re facing, the students, parents, and teachers, to give them help to get through this year,” says Heather.

Once the reopening phase is over, Heather says the PTA will look to implement some new initiatives.

“We do want to focus on social and emotional wellbeing of the students, parents, and teachers and what’s going on with each group,” say Heather.

One idea Heather floated is possibly partnering with Clinton’s social services to perhaps hold community support sessions, though nothing is set in stone yet.

Under the current plan for reopening, all Clinton students will participate in remote learning on Wednesdays. Heather says the PTA may choose to offer virtual speakers or presentations aimed at kids as a way to offer extracurricular activities since many of the normal activities may not be available to them this year.

Another area Heather says the PTA is concerned is about the ongoing country wide discussions related to addressing race in the classroom.

“We want to make sure racial equity is a focus as well, to bring the bigger picture of what’s going on in the world to Clinton,” Heather says.

Heather say the PTA will look into whether people in the community think the curriculum should be enhanced to ensure the history, literature, and accomplishments of varied cultures are adequately covered.

“We just want to bring light to it and discuss it,” Heather says.

Heather says her favorite part of being with the PTA is “The people. The other parents that take time to volunteer and make changes. I really have met some just amazing people.”

Heather says she appreciates that the group is able to move beyond polarizing differences and come together to focus on the kids, in a community they all cherish.

“It has nothing to with politics; it’s focused on Clinton and what’s best for the schools,” say Heather.

Besides her work with the PTA, Heather also her works in finance.

“It’s a field I’ve been in for many years and I enjoy it,” Heather says.

Heather grew up just down the road from Clinton in Madison, and has lived in Clinton for the last 18 years.

“It seemed like Clinton had all the things we were looking for,” Heather says of her and her husband’s decision to move to Clinton. “I think I like the attitude of Clinton. It’s more down to earth and people seem more real here. The attitude and people feel really comfortable to me.”

In her spare time, Heather can be found spending time with her family, particularly boating in the summer or skiing in the winter.

“Those just seem to be two activities you can do as a family for many years together,” Heather says.