Upcoming PTA Training Events
11/21/26 – Butler High School: Register Here
12/05/26 – Cherry Hill West High School: Register Here
Our NJPTA President has chosen her presidential pin for the 2027–2029 term! 🧭❤️
The compass represents the direction we take together, and the heart reminds us why we do this work—for every child.
Our Direction. Their Future.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2026 Dr. April Maxwell-Henley Becomes 49th President of New Jersey PTA
Trenton, New Jersey — September 23, 2026 — The New Jersey Parent Teacher Association (NJPTA) is pleased to announce that Dr. April Maxwell-Henley has assumed the role of 49th President of New Jersey PTA, following the resignation of Jackie Gibbs. Dr. Maxwell-Henley will complete the remainder of the current presidential term and continue as President for the 2027–2029 term.
Originally from Jersey City in Hudson County, Dr. Maxwell-Henley has called Willingboro, Burlington County, home for more than 20 years. Her commitment to children, families, education, and community service spans more than two decades.
Dr. Maxwell-Henley’s PTA journey includes service at the local, county, and state levels, including service on the NJPTA Board of Directors since 2015.
In addition to her PTA service, Dr. Maxwell-Henley is an educator and former elected member of the Willingboro Township Board of Education, where she served three terms as Board President. She has earned the New Jersey School Boards Association designations of Certified Board Member, Master Board Member, and Certified Board Leader.
Dr. Maxwell-Henley recently earned her Doctor of Business Administration, with research focused on strategic decision-making in school board governance and how elected board members prioritize student achievement while navigating competing pressures.
As NJPTA President, Dr. Maxwell-Henley is committed to strengthening communication, supporting local PTA units, expanding family engagement, developing leaders, and ensuring NJPTA remains an accessible resource for families and communities throughout New Jersey.
“I will not proclaim to know everything, but what I can assure our members is that the NJPTA Board of Directors will be a resource and provide assistance whenever and wherever we can. I believe leadership begins with listening, learning, and working together. My commitment is to support our local units, strengthen relationships, and continue advocating for every child and every family across New Jersey.”— Dr. April Maxwell-Henley, President, New Jersey PTA
Dr. Maxwell-Henley looks forward to working collaboratively with members, PTA leaders, educators, community partners, and families to strengthen the organization and advance its mission.
About New Jersey PTA
“Founded in 1900, New Jersey PTA has served New Jersey’s children and families for more than 125 years. Its mission is “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”
New Jersey PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in New Jersey. For more125 years, New Jersey PTA has worked with school communities and decision-makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s and state’s history.
PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA and NJPTA are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit associations that pride themselves on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who supports the PTA mission and wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
Find out why you should join PTA and the great benefits you get as a result of being a member.
