Bylaws & Standing Rules

PTA Bylaws

Bylaws represent the most important legal document of a PTA. Bylaws define your PTA’s mission, purpose and principles, and connection to Delaware PTA and National PTA. Bylaws additionally define the basic governance of your PTA in accordance with state and federal laws, establish meeting frequency, voting rights, and the duties and responsibilities of elected officers, committees, and members. It is critical that all officers understand PTA bylaws.

BYLAWS ALERT – Did you know?

  • Your bylaws must be reviewed, submitted and approved by Delaware PTA every 5 years.
  • All units reviewing their bylaws must use the newest template.
  • There are no co-officers that are accepted by National and Delaware PTA.
  • To be in good standing according to the bylaws, you must submit your officers annually through Givebacks.
  • To be in good standing according to the bylaws, you must submit dues through Givebacks.
  • To be in good standing according to the bylaws, you must file your 990 report by November 15 and upload in Givebacks.
  • Delaware PTA will be contacting you for any information not provided.
  • Delaware PTA is here to help you get over any hurdles that you may encounter. Please help us and we will help you.

Any additional information needed contact us

Thank you for all you do for the children of Delaware!

Review/Approval Process:

  1. Unit reviews the bylaws and makes any required and desired changes, including updating the template to use the latest available local unit template.
  2. Unit presents proposed bylaws for vote of approval at membership meeting.
  3. Upon unit membership approval, unit enters the date of membership approval on the last page of the bylaws.
  4. Unit uploads fully approved bylaws to Compliance in Givebacks
  5. Delaware PTA will review the changes and approve or reject with stated reason for rejection.
  6. Rejected bylaws are to be corrected (if change is made to the content, additional vote by members will be needed) and uploaded in Givebacks for approval.

 

What Are Standing Rules?

Standing rules for the PTA are specific guidelines and procedures that complement the PTA’s bylaws. Unlike bylaws, which require a formal amendment process to change, standing rules are more flexible and can be updated by the board or general membership as needed. They govern the day-to-day operations of the PTA, providing detailed instructions on matters such as meeting procedures, event planning, committee responsibilities, and financial practices.

Standing rules help ensure consistency in how the PTA operates while allowing for adjustments to address the evolving needs of the school community. They serve as a practical guide for managing routine activities and maintaining organizational efficiency.

Standing Rules are more of the customized operational “norms” of your specific local PTA and can include money handling procedures, social media rules, debit card use and other specific day-to-day policies and procedures.

PTA Bylaws Quicklinks