The Principal and the PTA Building a successful partnership with your school administrator Brenda L. Sheridan President Elect, Virginia PTA

Where do we stand? PRE - TEST

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBLITIES Implements curriculum Oversees admission, privacy of records and instruction Supervises all personnel in the building Oversees management and maintenance of the building and grounds Accountable for the school building budget Assures school complies with local ordinances and state/federal laws.

PTA/PTSA RESPONSIBILITIES Must follow state and federal laws for non-profits Must follow the decisions made by the general membership Handles and manages funds SEPARATELY from school accounts Membership decides where funds will be spent

PRINICIPAL DOS AND DON’TS Principals and teachers may not determine what programs the unit will sponsor Principals cannot determine how unit funds may be used Principals, as a member, may participate in the decisions facing the unit

PTA Leader Dos and Don’ts PTAs must consult with the principal to discuss the needs of the school community PTAs must consult with the principal regarding activities that involve school time or teacher participation.

Tips to work with your principal Make an appointment to meet with him/her during the summer before school starts Work closely with the principal to see how you can each help the other support the students in the school Work together on a PTA calendar for the year

PTA TIPS Bylaws state that your principal is a part of your executive committee/executive board Encourage the Principal to attend all board meetings or send a designee Refrain from asking office staff to provide support services to the PTA Avoid rush hour office time

More tips Schedule building use well in advance (set meeting dates before school begins) Work with the Principal to develop positive friendly working relationship when using the school space and equipment. Encourage PTA member to actively support school programs, curriculum, conferences, programs and PTA meetings

A GREAT PTA principal… Makes time to confer with and work closely with the PTA Encourages staff participation, involvement and membership in PTA Provides direction to school staff in cooperation with PTA Meets with the President and works on setting up the annual PTA calendar Uses the PTA as a forum for discussion on education issues with parents

A GREAT PTA LEADER… Will not use their position on the PTA board to ask for favors Makes sure to work closely with the principal so that fundraisers do not overlap Makes sure that they meet with their principal to confirm a meeting schedule during the summer months. Encourages members to settle issues at the lowest level possible

REMEMBER A principal has no obligation to work with the PTA Your PTA has no “right” to use the school facilities

Q & A Brenda L. Sheridan President Elect,Virginia PTA h c