These procedures have been developed to assist unit PTA officers and chairmen in carrying out their responsibilities (Committee Development and Guidelines). The president, as an effective leader, will see that officers, chairmen and other volunteers receive copies of their respective job descriptions from this Toolkit as soon as possible (Job Descriptions).
Based on goals established for the year, the president and the executive board determine which programs and projects should be implemented and which might be undertaken, remembering that all projects must be approved by the membership.
While every PTA operates within the Purposes and basic policies of the PTA, each individual unit will become involved in programs and projects according to its interests, its needs, and its volunteers. No PTA can be expected to do everything.
Chairman Duties
Convene a committee.
Serve the executive board, according to the bylaws.
Provide directional leadership for the committee.
Set an optimistic and enthusiastic tone.
Develop and maintain a procedure book (Procedure Book).
Refer to Bylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units as needed.
Assist and/or accompany the PTA president to meetings with decision-makers from the school, community, or city government.
Submit a written/oral report at each executive board meeting. Include all committee recommendations and a written financial accounting of all monies received and disbursed to implement approved recommendations.
Keep the committee focused on making appropriate recommendations.
Ensure that the committee assignment is completed and the action reported back to the board association.
Become acquainted with the school staff, school district staff, and decision-makers, including members of the site council and school board.
Survey parents to determine interests and needs in the home, community, and school.
Develop a program plan. Ensure that the plan meets California State PTA insurance requirements. See Insurance and Loss Prevention Guide for allowable, discouraged, and prohibited activities.
Coordinate PTA activities with the school calendar and principal.
Present the plan to the PTA board for approval.
Plan all events well in advance, with a minimum timeline of three months.
Educate parents and the community at an informational meeting.
Encourage membership to actively participate in PTA programs.
Collaborate with other PTAs and community agencies to obtain information, materials, and speakers.
Network with other PTAs in the school district to coordinate events.
Communicate with council and district PTA counterparts.
Share information prepared and distributed by the council and district PTA, California State PTA and National PTA.
Publicize activities. Use the newsletter and website to promote, educate, and inform. Contact the media or enlist the help of the PTA public relations coordinator (Tips for Promoting the PTA).
Attend council and district PTA trainings, California State PTA convention and National PTA convention.
Keep fundraisers simple and low stress.
Consolidate PTA activities with school events that bring out parents and students.
Plan more low-key, family-oriented social events.
Evaluate the program and document lessons learned for future program chairmen.
Considerations for Year-Round Schools
Schedule activities and association meetings evenly among tracks.
Avoid holding special events when the treasurer or chairman of that event is off-track.
Schedule programs (e.g., Reflections Program) and fundraisers to cover all on-track and off-track times.
