Learning Library for

PARLIAMENTARIANS

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 Genna Corwin, Council Parliamentarian

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)

Bylaws and Standing Rules must be updated every 3 years (minimum) to remain in good standing with TX PTA.

This training takes you step by step through the process to make it fast, easy, and correct!

Takes you step by step through the nominating committee process, from election of committee members through the slating and election of officers.  Learn or get a refresh on the requirements, and tips on finding the best candidates.

It's important to understand parliamentary procedure and how/when to utilize it for effective meetings and fair elections.

Includes "cheat sheets" on motions required for key board and membership meetings.

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Parliamentarians Webinar (Required) (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.

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Boardsmanship Webinar (Required) (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 (Recommended) (external link)

This training is not required for your role, but will help you to understand the importance of advocacy and how to successfully advocate for your students as a PTA board member.

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: TX PTA Dues Increase 2024

Understand your PTA's options and next steps in implementing the required dues increase from TX PTA, which goes into effect August 1, 2024. Ensure you are amending bylaws when required, depending on how your PTA implements the increase.

It's important to understand why TX PTA asked for, and was approved for, a dues increase.  Utilize these resources for discussion with your board and communication to your membership. Share the benefits and areas of strategic improvement that are tied to the dues increase with your membership.

Resources: Bylaws & Standing Rules

Bylaws and Standing Rules must be updated every 3 years (minimum) to remain in good standing with TX PTA.

This training takes you step by step through the process to make it fast, easy, and correct!

This is a quick snapshot comparison between bylaws and standing rules, and the amendment requirements for each.  Recommended for inclusion in your Procedure Book/Binder for easy reference. 

If your PTA awards senior scholarships through the Frisco Education Foundation (FEF), this information is required by TX PTA to be attached to your standing rules (in addition to the wording within the standing rules themselves).

If your PTA awards senior scholarships through the Frisco Education Foundation (FEF), you are required to include information on the scholarships in the body of your PTA's standing rules.

This document is an example of how you can write your standing rules to be in compliance.  For more specific rules, see "Scholarship Guidelines for Standing Rules" below.

Does your PTA offer scholarships to graduating seniors?  If so, TX PTA requires very specific information be included in your standing rules to ensure fair and impartial recipient selection.  Use this helpful guide to make sure your PTA is in compliance or in writing this portion of your rules for the first time!

Writing your PTA's Standing Rules for the first time? Or just updating? This sample will help guide you so that your Standing Rules move to the approval process more quickly!

Bylaws Request (external link)

Council and TX PTA recommend that you request a copy of your PTA's bylaws at the beginning of each year, as changes approved at the state level may be made to local bylaws as well - stay on top of these changes with your annual request.

Typically, changes made at the state level go into effect August 1st each year.

Visit this link for a short summary of the changes made to the bylaws template by TX PTA. Template changes are made annually and go into effect on August 1st each year. 

Council recommends every PTA request a copy of their bylaws after August 1st each year to ensure you have the most up-to-date version. See "Bylaws Request" link to learn more!

Resources: Nominating Committee & Elections

Takes you step by step through the nominating committee process, from election of committee members through the slating and election of officers.  Learn or get a refresh on the requirements, and tips on finding the best candidates.

It's important that the Nominating Committee reach out to everyone (not just current board members) to slate officer positions and identify potential candidates for chair positions.  Use this form to solicit interest across all social media and communication platforms. The best way to find talent is to cast a wide net!

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

Takes you step by step through the nominating committee process, from election of committee members through the slating and election of officers.  Learn or get a refresh on the requirements, and tips on finding the best candidates.

Provide this packet, along with a current copy of your PTA's bylaws and standing rules, to each member of the nominating committee.

Scripts (Google Doc)

We've taken the nominating committee and officer election scripts from TX PTA and added other pertinent information (voting requirements, needed materials, etc.) for ease of use.  Be prepared to lead your elections effectively!

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

Always carry Tellers' Committee Reports with you to be prepared for elections and ballot votes.  Included here are examples of Tellers' Committee Reports for officer elections, nominating committee elections, and motions requiring ballot voting.

Find valuable resources for the nominating committee and election process, from TX PTA.

Resources: Meeting Support

Meeting Checklist (Google Doc)

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

By-Month Checklist (Google Doc)

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!

This is a quick snapshot comparison between bylaws and standing rules, and the amendment requirements for each.  Recommended for inclusion in your Procedure Book/Binder for easy reference. 

Agendas  (Google Doc) 

Prepare an agenda for for each board and membership meeting and issue it prior to the meeting.  Well planned meetings start with agendas, which help improve efficiency, time management, and engagement.

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

Scripts (Google Doc)

We've taken the helpful scripts from TX PTA, broken them down into separate topic areas, and added pertinent information (voting requirements, needed materials, etc.) for ease of use.  Scripts are available for meetings, elections, financial discussions, and more.  Be prepared to lead your meetings effectively!

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

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

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.

Holding a board or membership meeting virtually? Refer to your PTA's bylaws for general guidelines.  

Use this link to check for updates and potential suspension of bylaws requirements, as needed and determined by the TX PTA Board.

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

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!

This is a quick snapshot comparison between bylaws and standing rules, and the amendment requirements for each.  Recommended for inclusion in your Procedure Book/Binder for easy reference. 

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

Download or print. Updated annually.

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. Updated annually.

TX PTA Local Roster (external link)

This Google Roster from TX PTA helps you track your path to good standing, including when bylaws and standing rules must be updated.  Bookmark it and check back frequently to stay on track!

District listing and map of all FISD campuses and facilities

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!