Bylaws & Governance
Bylaws represent the most important legal document of a PTA, establishing and protecting the rights of the membership.
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A unit’s bylaws link the association to Virginia PTA and national PTA by which they are chartered. Bylaws represent the written contract between the membership and the PTA’s elected officials, specifying what duties and responsibilities are assigned to each respective group. For these reasons, it is critical that all bylaws be current, clear in intent and an accurate representation of the way a local unit conducts the business of the association.
The general membership is the ultimate governing body of a local PTA and only the general membership has the authority to approve revisions or amendments to local unit bylaws.
PTA officers, committee chairmen and members should work toward acquiring a working knowledge of their bylaws. Having a standing Bylaws Chair on the local PTA board will help to guard the unit’s “good standing” status by insuring compliance with bylaws; bylaws are current within the 5-year period; and that required revisions and amendments are prepared and submitted for approval to Virginia PTA following procedures found in their bylaws under the Article titled, “Bylaws Revisions and Amendments."
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