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This article is part of the following categories:
Bylaws/Nonprofit PTO vs. PTA


10 Key Points About Bylaws

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What you should know, why you should have them.

by Christy Forhan

6 Things You Should Know About Your PTO’s Bylaws

  1. Whether you have them. If you can’t find a copy, you need to create them.
  2. Where they are. Just saying you have bylaws isn’t enough; you need to get your hands on the actual document.
  3. The content. Read and understand them. If they don’t make sense to the way your PTO actually operates, it’s time for a revision.
  4. The format. If you only have a hard copy, type them up so you can share and revise them electronically.
  5. Their age and the last time they were revised. Look at the end of the document for a revision schedule. If there isn’t one, add the first entry when you type up the document.
  6. Revision rules. If your bylaws need revising, follow the procedure spelled out in the document itself. If there are no revision rules, follow Robert’s Rules.

4 Primary Reasons To Have Bylaws

  • Consistency. Rules and policies that have been documented in the form of bylaws can be applied consistently so that emotion and personalities do not get involved.
  • Efficiency. Your bylaws include procedures for decisionmaking so that your PTO can conduct all its business according to the rules and as efficiently as possible.
  • Protection. Strong bylaws help protect the group from internal conflict, financial risk, and “mission creep.”
  • Legitimacy. A strong set of bylaws is a sign that the PTO takes itself seriously. Bylaws give the members assurance of the mission, structure, and policies of the group. Besides, the IRS requires bylaws if your PTO files for 501(c)(3) status.

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Comments

  1. Posted by CHRISSY on Apr. 11, 2008

    COULD YOU PLEASE SEND ME A COPY OF THE BYLAWS FOR PTO

  2. Posted by Kathryn Lagden from PTO Today on Apr. 11, 2008

    Hi Chrissy - You'll find some examples of bylaws in the Bylaws/Policies section of the File Exchange - www.ptotoday.com/filesharing

  3. Posted by Rae on Apr. 29, 2008

    Hi Chrissy,

    Believe you will find assistance from the National Association of Parliamentarians.org helpful. Members of this organization study parliamentary procedures -- how to preside, write bylaws, responsibilities of officers and the chair of each committee, standing and special committees, etc. etc.

  4. Posted by herrera85615@yahoo.com on May. 12, 2008

    I want to know if a school official should be present at PTA meetings and if there are bylaws that say this??

  5. Posted by Kathryn Lagden from PTO Today on May. 12, 2008

    Hi herrera85615 - In most cases, PTOs are structured as independent organizations. They work with the school but aren't governed by them. Therefore, it's not necessary to have a school official attend meetings. However, bylaws differ from group to group. Check your group's to see what language they include about meetings.

  6. Posted by Doretha on May. 23, 2008

    Can school personnel serve on board?

  7. Posted by Kathryn Lagden from PTO Today on May. 27, 2008

    Hi Doretha - Your group's bylaws define who can be a board member. For example, your bylaws may limit membership to people with children in the school and state that officers must be members in good standing. Many groups encourage membership from anyone concerned about the school, which would include staff members. Having a supportive staff member on the board can be a positive in bridging communications with teachers and administration. Or it can be a negative if there's a clash. Best place to get more advice is on our message boards. Lots of experienced folks willing to share. Boards are here - www.ptotoday.com/boards. (If you need help using the boards or posting a question email me directly at klagden@ptotoday.com)

  8. Posted by Melissa Sadorf on Jul. 30, 2008

    I have a question on what a president can decide on for her PTO and what needs a vote by the board. I am a new President and our by-laws are a little vague in this area. I need to know if i can set a date or agree to help out with a function at school without calling an extra meeting. Hope there is someone that can help me. You can post or email me at msadorf@charter.net

  9. Posted by Craig Bystrynski from PTO Today on Jul. 31, 2008

    Hi Melissa -- This is a bit of a gray area. Yes, you can make decisions for the group, including setting dates or making commitments. But if the decision is likely to be controversial at all or if it involves significant resources, you should really seek the support of your executive board first. If you post this question on the message boards, I bet you will get a lot of response and insight. Just go to www.ptotoday.com/boards. Good luck! -- Craig

  10. Posted by Veronica on Aug. 01, 2008

    I am a new PTO president and there haven't been any bylaws written. Do new bylaws need to be notarized? What about revisions?

  11. Posted by Lani Harac, PTO Today on Aug. 17, 2008

    Hi, Veronica -- There's absolutely no need to have bylaws or revisions notarized. Just make sure to include the date each time revisions are approved so your group's leaders will know when the last revision was done.

  12. Posted by Yesterdays News on Aug. 19, 2008

    Should the PTO board be allowed to vote if they out number the other members in attendence?

  13. Posted by Craig Bystrynski from PTO Today on Aug. 19, 2008

    Your board members have been elected to lead your group. Certainly you want them to participate in any general vote, and under Robert's Rules they have the right to do so. Craig

  14. Posted by Fiona on Aug. 21, 2008

    I have a question. Can a 501 C non profit work together with a non profit charity while having a fund raising event.

    There has been much discussion about this and I can't get a copy of the bylaws.

    We are a special education parent advisory and have agreed to work with another to bring awareness against domestic violence in our community and schools.

    The board has passed this, apart from 2 members-majority rules. So is there any reason why we couldn't do this if the money raised was split?

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