In campus-based PTAs, the principal is also an executive board member, and, oftentimes, is the only constant in an ever-shifting leadership group.
A good working relationship between the principal and a healthy PTA can lead to a great learning environment for students and families and increase family and community engagement while simultaneously supplying a much-needed resource of volunteers.
The principal and the PTA president are able to develop a positive partnership through:
- Communicating openly and honestly
- Respecting opinions and building trust
- Understanding roles and responsibilities
- Establishing common goals and vision
- Working collaboratively for student achievement
- Actively pursuing family and staff engagement
- Building positive community relationships
Key Items to Remember:
- Campus-based PTAs are independently governed and are separate from the school district. While working in partnership, the governing documents – bylaws and standing rules for PTAs and policies for school districts – and governing bodies – members for PTAs and school boards for school districts – are exclusive and inclusive of each other. At times these governing documents and or bodies may limit the PTA’s response to school requests.
- The PTA must work with all community members, especially those on campus, in order to be successful.
- With our children and youth as our primary focus – to make every child’s potential a reality – the decisions of the PTA center on the students’ successes.
- PTAs are invited guests in our schools.
- The principal is automatically a member of the local PTA’s executive board. However, the principal may choose to designate another faculty member to take their place on the executive board.
Texas PTA believes the principal’s role on the executive board is so important to the local PTA that special training materials have been made just for them!