President Basics Melissa Nehrbass, District Director Peninsula District PTA 2014 District Training June 5, 2014

Welcome! Who are we? Who are you? 90 Minutes A lot of information Questions

Objective: Given the materials and the time together during this workshop, participants will identify at least ten (10) best practices for a successful year as a PTA team.

Is that all? A PTA President’s Job Description Sustains and increases membership Works collaboratively with partners Encourages family involvement Develops leadership Oversees unit

Check List What you should have already done Planning your year

PTA: What You Should Know Vision of PTA Making every child's potential a reality PTA Mission To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

PTA Values: What PTA stands for Collaboration: We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to accomplish our agreed-upon goals. Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting children’s health, well-being, and educational success through strong parent, family, and community involvement. Accountability: We acknowledge our obligations. We deliver on our promises. Respect: We value our colleagues and ourselves. We expect the same high quality of effort and thought from ourselves as we do from others. Inclusivity: We invite the stranger and welcome the newcomer. We value and seek input from as wide a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences as possible. Integrity: We act consistently with our beliefs. When we err, we acknowledge the mistake and seek to make amends.

PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships Standard 1: Welcoming all families Standard 2: Communicating effectively Standard 3: Supporting student success Standard 4: Speaking up for every child Standard 5: Sharing power Standard 6: Collaborating with community

Public Trust Who does this apply to? What is this? When is it important? Where do we apply this?

Good Standing What is a unit in good standing? – Dues – Bylaws – Contact information for all officers – EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Audit – IRS Forms All information is required by your bylaws and by law and must be on file in the state office

Preparing For Your Leadership Role

Standing Rules Not as restrictive as bylaws Details for administration of bylaws Cannot conflict with bylaws Can help avoid conflict More info at vapta.org, bylaws library

Bylaws Be familiar! Rights of your membership Adopted by membership Revised every five years No conflict with state or national bylaws THEY ARE NOT SUGGESTIONS!

Executive Committee Defined in the Bylaws Develop Goals for the PTA Appoints Committee Chairs

Executive Board Defined in bylaws Officers are elected Reflective of population Establish communication plan Members must support the majority

Financial Management President bears ultimate responsibility Work closely with treasurer Only the president can sign contracts Insurance Audit IRS documents are filed! NEVER SIGN A BLANK CHECK!!!!

President and Principal Should be a working team Respect confidentialities Always share meeting preparations Set goals

Meetings (Planning and Running) Agendas are a MUST – adopt President is chair……not the boss Prepare, prepare, prepare Welcome Everyone Delegate Know your bylaws! Always say “thank you”

Financial Safeguards Embezzlement is crime of opportunity Checks and balances Require written financial reports Ask Questions NEVER SIGN A BLANK CHECK!

Fundraising Do not raise funds until you have goals 3-1 Rule Always set a Membership Goal

Schools of Excellence ● Enroll April 1 – October 1, 2014 ● Conduct Family-School Partnership Scan ● Receive custom Roadmap to Excellence ● Complete application by June 1, 2015 ● Celebrate!! ● Visit for more details and to enroll!

Utilizing Resources City/Council/District Leadership State PTA LURG (Local Unit Resource Guide) President’s Quick Reference Guide E-learning Courses Web sites- and

Questions?

For more information contact: Melissa Nehrbass Peninsula District Director cell