Learning Library for

COUNCIL DELEGATES & ADVOCACY CHAIRS

Find everything you need to be successful in your PTA role, from basic trainings to leadership development tools.  You'll also find links to forms and templates and other helpful resources.  

Questions?  Contact Ruth Bakken, Council Advocacy Chair

Know what you're looking for? Click on a topic below to move directly to that section. 

ESSENTIALS Trainings

Includes important information for FISD PTAs and how to lead successfully in your specific board role on your campus.

Updated annually (August)

This training will guide you through key steps to complete during the summer to ensure a successful upcoming year!  (Recommended for spring.) 

Updated annually (May)

Get a quick overview of the role and structure of Council, to help you in your role as Council Delegate.

FOUNDATIONS BASICS  Boardsmanship Webinar (Required for ALL Chairs) (external link)

Every person serving on a PTA board is required by TX PTA to take the Boardsmanship training within 30 days of election or appointment.  This training will help you in your role by reviewing the basic responsibilities and functioning of a PTA board. 

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Advocacy Webinar (Required for Legislative Chairs) (external link)

All board members new to their role are required by TX PTA to watch the BASICS Webinar.  If you have never served PTA in your current role, or have served in the past but never taken the TX PTA Basics, please be sure to complete this online training within 30 days of election or appointment.

FOUNDATIONS Essentials Webinar (Required) (external link)

This introductory course is for new PTA leaders; all board members are required by TX PTA to complete it only once in their PTA service.  There is a $10 fee to access the online course materials/webinar.   A copy of your certificate of completion serves as your receipt for reimbursement. This online training is required to be completed within 30 days of election or appointment.

INSIGHTS Trainings

Further develop your core leadership skills critical for long term success, including communication, marketing your PTA, conflict management, and more! For all board positions!

Full Circle Leadership is TX PTA’s very own leadership development certification program. By focusing on the five key areas of technical, intrapersonal, forward-thinking, interpersonal, and adaptive skills, Texas PTA leaders are able to enhance their skills to become even more successful and effective. 

Resources: Meeting Support

Review this list before each meeting to make sure you have everything you need to be successful.

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

Most chair duties vary by month, from fulfilling TX PTA requirements to board needs.  We've taken TX PTA's checklist and added FISD-specific items to the list, giving you a comprehensive overview of your year. Use this "by-month" checklist so you never miss a step!

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

The role of the Council Delegate is to represent your PTA at the delegates' meeting, to report important information back to your PTA board and membership. Use this form to capture key updates, votes and more for easy reporting!

Most chair duties vary by month, from fulfilling TX PTA requirements to board needs.  We've taken TX PTA's checklist and added FISD-specific items to the list, giving you a comprehensive overview of your year. Use this "by-month" checklist so you never miss a step!

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

Carry this with you to your board and membership meetings for easy reference on how to phrase a motion, who makes it, and what vote is required.  Gives specific examples, including budget adoptions and amendments, approving minutes, and more!

Resources: Forms & Templates

Plans of Work (Examples) (Google Doc)

Before completing your POW, review an example for your board position... then make it your own!

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

Blank POW for use by you or your board.

Note: To customize, you must open document, download or save to your google drive, then edit

Council Dues (Google Doc)

Council dues are required, per your PTA's bylaws, and are paid annually.  Dues must be paid prior to the first Council Delegates' Meeting each fiscal year (usually in September) so that your PTA has voting privileges.

Resources: Policies & Guidelines

Access the most up-to-date documents governing FISD Council of PTAs, including bylaws and standing rules.

Access TX PTA's bylaws.

Standards of Continuing Affiliation (Required) (external link

Explains all TX PTA requirements for remaining in Good Standing.

Required by TX PTA to be completed annually by all board members.

These guidelines from FISD must be followed by all PTAs in the district.  Includes information on governance, partnerships, fundraisers, and more.  Updated annually.

Resources: Guides & Other Helpful Tools

All-In-One Calendar (pdf)

This all-inclusive calendar from Council includes dates from the FISD calendar, TX PTA membership award deadlines, Council training dates, national days of recognition (healthy lifestyles, environmental, hospitality, etc) and more!

Serving on an executive board extends beyond management and completion of your position specific duties. It’s very important that you understand the duties of the executive board and your duties as an executive board member. 

Download or print. Updated annually.

TX PTA Local Roster (external link)

This Google Roster from TX PTA helps you track your path to good standing and membership awards.  Bookmark it and check back frequently to stay on track!

A great resource from TX PTA for guidance and best practices.  

Download or print. Updated annually.

TX PTA Website: Advocacy (external link)

Use this link to directly access all of the helpful information from TX PTA for your board position.

Serving on an executive board extends beyond management and completion of your position specific duties. It’s very important that you understand the duties of the executive board and your duties as an executive board member. 

Download or print. Also available for purchase at https://s-t-a-r-co-op.myshopify.com/.  Updated annually.

Use this link to directly access the Advocacy Toolkit from TX PTA.  Includes information on hosting a candidate or issues forum, school bond motions and resolutions, and relationship-building with local and state decision makers.

District priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

District calendar for the current school year.

District listing of feeder patterns for neighborhood subdivisions

Graphic of District feeder patterns by campus

Recognitions & Awards

Is there a fellow board member who has gone the extra mile?  Has she/he done something that exemplifies one or more of the LEAD leadership qualities... (Learn. Engage. Advocate. Drive.) 

 Leadership is about the choices and actions we take each day, big and small.  Recognize someone on your board for going the extra mile - let them know they are appreciated!  Winners will be invited to attend the next Council Delegates meeting for public recognition of his/her outstanding contributions to your PTA!

Has your PTA or campus tried something new that worked well?  Have you revamped an old program and gotten great feedback?  Help us to celebrate your board's achievement and share it with other campuses.  Let's succeed together!