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Signing a Contract

Governance and Behavior Expectations

Board-level standards every officer should know, adopt, and model

California State PTA
Professional Governance Standards

In both schools and communities, PTA volunteers are recognized as leaders and advocates. They bring unique energy, perspectives and skills to the table based on their life experiences. A shared commitment to the PTA mission “to positively impact the lives of children and their families” is the driving force behind their efforts.

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As board members, PTA leaders have a special set of responsibilities to oversee the management of their PTA as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and govern responsibly on behalf of their members.

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That’s why California State PTA has adopted Professional Governance Standards. These Standards outline the key principles and responsibilities for board members to follow in running a PTA.

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All unit, council, and district PTA executive boards are encouraged to review and adopt the Professional Governance Standards as part of their board orientation and team building at the start of the term. However, adoption of the Standards can take place at any time.

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To learn more, download the Professional Governance Standards online in the Toolkit.​

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~ California State PTA

Meeting Attendance and Participation Guidelines

PTA/PTSA Meeting Attendance and Participation Guidelines The personal conduct of PTA members directly affects the PTA's image and effectiveness. Therefore, each PTA member shall:

  • Recognize the primary purpose of all PTA/PTSAs is to serve the best interests of all children and youth, and to support the vision and mission of California State PTA and National PTA.

  • Be aware that all questions, concerns, and issues shall be on the topic that is currently on the floor. The Chair may call a member to order for speaking o topic. The member will be asked to return to the agenda item under discussion or may lose the floor.

  • Be expected to treat others with dignity and respect. As members of the PTA, our behavior reflects on the PTA and our school community.

  • Be respectful of and courteous to all people they come in contact within their roles as PTA/PTSA volunteers, whether in person or while using digital technologies such as email, social media, and phones.

 

Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to an attendee's removal

from the PTA/PTSA meeting. 

Board Member Code of Ethics and Professionalism

The personal conduct of the members of the board of ____________________PTA/PTSA directly affects the image of the PTA/PTSA. Therefore, each board member shall:

  • Recognize that the primary purpose of the PTA /PTSA is to serve the best interests of children and youth, and to support the vision and mission of the PTA/PTSA.

  • Be knowledgeable about and comply with the PTA/PTSA bylaws, policies, procedures, programs, and finances.

  • Prioritize the PTA/PTSA goals over personal goals.

  • Conduct all association and operational duties with professional competence, fairness, impartiality, honesty, efficiency, and effectiveness while demonstrating the highest standards of personal integrity.

  • Exercise discretion, sensitivity, and sound judgment in discussing PTA/PTSA matters, protecting all privileged and confidential information. Conduct PTA/PTSA business only in PTA meetings when a quorum is present.

  • Be responsive. Engage in open communication in fulfilling the duties of their position, whether elected or appointed.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest, fully disclose any conflicts in writing to the PTA/PTSA board, and recuse themself in decisions related to the conflict.

  • Exhibit behavior in line with PTA’s basic non-partisan, non-sectarian, and noncommercial policies while serving on the PTA/PTSA board.

  • Prioritize safety, responsibility, and ethics when using digital technologies and the internet. This involves showing respect for others, fostering supportive communication, avoiding online bullying across platforms, and being mindful of content shared online.

  • Recognize that PTA/PTSA communication channels and digital properties (social media accounts, messaging groups, websites, shared drives) are official PTA assets; use any access granted solely for PTA business, maintain strict separations from personal/community accounts, and never copy, export, or reuse member contact information for non-PTA purposes (including “side-chats”, commercial activity, or political advocacy.

  • Communicate professionally and in alignment with PTA’s non-partisan, nonsectarian, and non-commercial policies; use admin-only/one-to-many settings where available (no “reply all”, use opt-in/invite links), and do not post or distribute confidential/internal materials or sensitive content (minutes, budgets/financial, bylaws/standing rules, grievances/member issues, or student photos without verified media releases)

 

Remember that as a PTA/PTSA leader, board members always represent the organization

in their communications, both in person and online. 

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