Kathy Dowling was recently installed as the 1998-99 Farmingdale Council of PTAs president, replacing Tina Diamond. The changing of the guard for the one-year position, which both women describe as a smooth transition, took place at a June 30 annual PTA installation meeting.

During an interview before the installation, Dowling and Diamond expressed a sense of satisfaction with this year's accomplishments and enthusiasm for continued PTA endeavors. "I know that leaving the council presidency and handing it over to Kathy Dowling is an easy transition," said Diamond, noting that her successor is conscientious and experienced. Diamond will stay with PTA Council as recording secretary.

Dowling, a 16-year participant in Farmingdale PTA activities, will serve her second term as council president. The last time was four years ago. "I think it's very easy to follow Tina, and I think we have a long line of easy transitions in Farmingdale," she said.

Asked which accomplishments which she is most proud of, Diamond said, "I think I am most proud of bringing PTA to the forefront." She added, "I really wanted to show people that we're much more than coffee and cake.

"There's so much information in PTA that I wanted the parents to know, and I worked so hard on it," she continued. "Every parent has a say in their child's education."

Diamond's projects as president included the creation of a PTA 100th Anniversary Float for Farmingdale's Columbus Day Parade, which was a community effort, and a PTA state education aid lobbying effort. She noted that this showed, "that if we do it together, there's power in the numbers. And let's face it, a united community is a strong one." Diamond was also pleased when, at the PTA COPE committee's urging, the Farmingdale Youth Council recreation program was expanded for middle school students. "The most at risk group is the middle school age group. They need some place to go," she noted.

Dowling's major goal as PTA Council President is to step up efforts to inform parents of the seriousness of the new tougher learning standards and graduation requirements being phased in by the state. "I'm quite sure that there are parents out there that haven't heard," she said. "We have to be very cognizant of the fact that we're going to have students at risk [of not meeting the requirements]. We have students at risk right now, and we need to support their needs." The PTA is currently working with the Farmingdale School district's higher standards committee to increase understanding of the standards.

In addition to being council president, Dowling will serve her third year of a three-year term as assistant director for Nassau District PTA and several Farmingdale School District committees.

In addition to serving as PTA Council recording secretary, Diamond will also continue to serve on Howitt School PTA, the Farmingdale School District's community center committee, lobbying committee, COPE, Districtwide Share Decision Making team, and PTA Liaison for PAL's HELP (Police Activity League's Helping Educate Leadership Program).

Both Dowling and Diamond applauded their fellow PTA leaders, both in council, and in individual school PTAs, for their commitment to child advocacy.