Standing Rules

Standing Rules – FHES PTA

Bylaws:

Bylaws are the laws that prescribe how the organization functions. Amending the Bylaws requires previous notice thirty days prior and 2/3’s vote by the general membership. All amendments must then be approved by VA State PTA. Bylaws cannot be suspended.

Standing Rules:

Standing rules are adopted as needed and used to administer PTA affairs by the PTA Board under the provision of our Bylaws. Standing rules may be amended, suspended or rescinded at any PTA Board meeting with a 2/3’s vote or if previous 30 days notice given, with a majority vote. FHES PTA Standing rules are as follows:

  1. All parents who are PTA members in good standing may make motions, debate and vote at PTA Board meetings.
  2. PTA Board meeting minutes will be distributed via e-mail to all Board members and posted on the PTA web-site so no reading of the minutes is necessary at meetings. There will be a request for corrections before the minutes are approved.
  3. A Treasurer’s report will be presented at every PTA Board meeting with an opportunity for questions. The report does not need to be approved.
  4. PTA Board members may submit a written report of committee activity if there are no actions requiring a motion (i.e., change in work plan, change in budget.) All Board members are encouraged to submit monthly committee activity reports to the Secretary to be compiled and available at the Board meeting.
  5. All Board chairs or committees requiring a motion must first inform the President to be put on the agenda.
  6. If a motion is required, the following should occur:
    • Motion is made
    • Motion is seconded
    • The President restates the motion
    • Debate or discussion
    • Vote
    • The President announces the result
  7. During discussion, no member may speak for more than three minutes at a time. The President will alternate discussion between opposing sides. No motion may be discussed for more than twenty minutes unless a motion to extend discussion as been adopted by a 2/3’s vote of those present.
  8. The President, as the Chair of the meeting, may not take part in any discussion or state opinions. The President may ask the Vice-President or other elected officer to preside if the President wants to enter the discussion. The President does not preside again until after a vote has been taken and announced.
  9. Any PTA member or non-member wishing to address the Board on a “New Business” item must first inform the President to be placed on the agenda.
  10. The annual PTA budget is presented at the PTA Board meeting for consideration. The budget is then presented at the PTA general membership meeting for approval. Once a quorum is established, a majority vote of members present is required for adoption.
  11. Any amendment to the annual PTA budget of $250 or more must be presented to the general membership for approval.