Vice Presidents - Part of the team
Local Bylaws ARTICLE VI: Officers and Their Election
Section 4. Officers (executive committee) and their election:
a. The officers of this PTA/PTSA shall be one (1) President, one (1) President-elect, one (1) administrative vice president, one (1) teacher vice president, up to ____________________ (number) additional vice presidents, one (1) Secretary, and one (1) Treasurer. The President-elect shall automatically succeed to the office of President. The teacher vice president shall be a teacher who is currently teaching in the school in which this PTA/PTSA is organized.
This means each PTA has at least two vice presidents, one teacher VP and one administrative VP with additional VPs as entered in the blank.
Each PTA can determine the needs and then decide what VP positions are needed. Vice president examples can include: communications or public relations, leadership, membership, fundraising, legislative/advocacy, etc.
What does a vice president do?
Local Bylaws ARTICLE VII: Duties of Officers
Section 3. The vice Presidents shall:
a. Act as aides to the President;
b. In their designated order as determined by the executive committee at its first meeting, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the absence or inability to act of both the President and the President-elect; and
c. Perform such other duties as may be provided for in these Bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the President, the Board of Directors, or the executive committee.
You may be called upon at any time to assume the role of president, temporarily or until the position is filled in accordance with your bylaws.
Responsibilities include:
- Implementing duties delegated by the president
- Representing the president in his or her absence
- Performing specific duties as provided for in the bylaws
- Familiarizing yourself with all PTA programs and resources
- Preparing for leadership by attending additional trainings and events that may be offered by your council, region, state or National PTA
Great vice presidents often learn or possess leadership, planning, and public speaking skills.
Vice presidents should have the following information:
- Unit bylaws and standing rules
- Unit approved budget
- Minutes of at least the last six previous meetings
- Contact information for all officers
- Contact information for council, region, and state PTA leaders
A vice president is encouraged to be ready to assume leadership. Therefore, a vice president is encouraged to attend state PTA training and events, and to be familiar with all PTA programs and resources.
How do we know what VPs our PTA needs?
Your bylaws determine the number you can have and it is suggested to have a range in that blank so from year to year, based on need, you can have the flexibility to change. Many PTAs have VPs based on the traditions at their school. It is ok to continue with those positions, but it is also ok to change it up as well.
You can do a needs assessment to see what your community thinks. Learn more
Information on Organizing your board
Working with the principal - The Administrative VP
The principal is a member of the PTA executive committee and, oftentimes, is the only constant in an ever-shifting leadership group. A supportive administrator encourages teachers and staff to participate in PTA activities and meetings, and cooperates with the PTA in the use of school facilities. Meetings may be held at the school with the permission of the principal or at any other location agreed upon by the membership. A good working relationship between the principal and a healthy PTA can lead to a great learning environment for students and families. The PTA must work with all community members, especially those on the campus, in order to be successful. With our children and youth as our primary focus, to make every child’s potential a reality, the decisions of the PTA center on the students’ success. With this winning team mindset, you will see your community have an increase in family involvement, volunteers, and community engagement. The PTA president and the principal must communicate regularly and work together for the good of all concerned. Presidents need to remember that we are in the principal’s school as a guest; however, the principal must also understand that we are governed by our bylaws, which may limit the PTA’s response to some requests from the school.
The principal and the PTA president establish a positive partnership through:
- Communicating openly and honestly
- Understanding roles and responsibilities
- Establishing common goals and visions
- Working collaboratively for student achievement
- Respecting opinions and building trust
- Actively pursuing family and staff engagement
- Building positive community relationships
Learn more about the Admin VP
The Teacher VP
The Teacher VP provides an important connection between faculty and the PTA board and can give valuable feedback regarding PTA programs or procedures. Ask the teacher to bring PTA information to the faculty and encourage them to join PTA. Try to schedule your board meetings so the Teacher VP can attend at least part of your meeting. Often the principal will recommend a teacher that has a prep time during the PTA board meeting time or will provide the teacher an aide so they can attend the meeting. Give them a time certain on your agenda near the beginning of your meeting so they can leave early if they need to.
Learn more about the role of the Teacher VP