About Our PTA
At Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary, we believe a strong school starts with a connected and engaged community.
The DDMES PTA brings together families, teachers, staff, and community partners to support and advocate for every student and every family within our diverse global school community.
Our work goes beyond fundraising. We help strengthen the connection between home and school, create opportunities for families to come together, support our teachers and students, invest in meaningful school experiences, and advocate for the needs of our Dillard Drive community.
Most importantly, we want every family to feel informed, included, and empowered to participate—whether that means becoming a member, volunteering, attending an event, sharing an idea, or simply adding your voice to the conversation.
Because when more of us are connected, more of us are heard.
More Community. More Unity.
















































































































































2026-2027 Elected PTA Board
Board of Directors
President: LaWanda Simpkins
Vice President of Member Engagement: Anna Lopez
Advocacy: Maegan
Audit: Kristen Maier
Treasurer: Marie Swepson
Secretary: Madana Marshall
Member at Large: Charla Brandon
Advisory Board and Committee Chair Members
College and Career Fair: Vickie Dekle
Communications: OPEN
Dragon Fly Dash: Jae-Ellyne Hudson
Education Immersive Special Project: Brooke Pristell
Family and Community Engagement: Jessica Medina
Hospitality: Karla Gamble
Literacy/Book Fair: LaDonna Byarse
Membership: OPEN
Men of Dillard: Marcellus Simpkins & Kelvin McDougald
Nominations: OPEN
Operations and Protocol: OPEN
Reflections: Heather Kasdan
Teacher Appreciation: Candace Bridgers
Special Events: Nadriah Cogbill
Yearbook: Lisa Padgett
Find Your Place in the PTA



