Committees

PA/PTAs create committees to oversee certain areas of PA/PTA business or to accomplish specific tasks.

Generally, PA/PTAs have several standing committees, established by their bylaws; these are permanent committees responsible for specific areas of a PA/PTA’s work. The DOE’s PA/PTA Bylaws Template includes the following three suggested standing committees: membership, budget, and audit. PA/PTAs may choose to create any of these, as well as any others that further their school community’s priorities (such as diversity, green and healthy, math, fundraising, and parent action committees). The bylaws template, which can be found on the DOE website’s PA/PTA Resources page, includes sample language outlining the responsibilities of the three recommended committees as well as rules regarding the establishment of committees.

PA/PTAs often establish new committees to align with their values and meet the needs of their school communities. For instance, some PA/PTAs have added racial justice and equity committees to improve their community’s understandings and practices regarding racial justice and other forms of equity.

PA/PTAs also establish ad-hoc committees to accomplish discrete tasks, run programs, and foster community. For example, your PA/PTA may form separate committees to conduct outreach, coordinate a charitable event, recruit volunteers, run an annual book fair, or plan a fundraising gala.

Committee meetings may be held virtually or at locations convenient to the members.