Learning Library for

SECRETARIES

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 Renee Wyse, Council Secretary

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)

Both the Secretary and Treasurer have requirements for the end-of-year review by the Financial Reconciliation Committee.  Button-up your deliverables for an easy, painless review!

Interested in setting up a FREE Google Workspace account for your PTA?  Follow these step by step instructions to get started today!

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Secretary 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  Parliamentarians Webinar (Recommended) (external link)

This training is not required for your role, but will help you in your role by reviewing the basic parliamentary procedures that we are required to follow.  Parliamentary procedure helps our meetings to be more productive, efficient, and fair.

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.

FOUNDATIONS BASICS Communications Webinar (Recommended) (external link)

This training is not required for your role, but will help you with communicating to your board and membership on upcoming events, including meetings. 

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.  Please visit often as we continue to build our Insights training library.

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

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

Motion Form  (Google Doc) 

Request board members complete this form when making a motion.  It ensures proper documenting of motions: what the motion was verbatim, who made it, what vote was required in the affirmative, and whether it passed.

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!

Chair Report  (Google Doc

Request board chairs and offers complete a chair report prior to each board and membership meeting.  These reports do not replace minutes, but can be used by the secretary to ensure an accurate record is captured in the minutes.

This is a Google DOC version.

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

Request board chairs and offers complete a chair report prior to each board and membership meeting.  These reports do not replace minutes, but can be used by the secretary to ensure an accurate record is captured in the minutes.

This is a Google FORM version, which can be easily completed electronically.

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

Minutes Examples  (Google Doc) 

Looking for a way to report your minutes in an easy to fill, easy to follow format?  Examples are available for both board and general/membership meetings. Use them as they are or customize to best meet your needs!

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

Scripts (Google Doc)

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.

Agenda Examples  (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

Resources: Activities Annual Report

The Activities Report is also referred to as the Historian's Report.  This report serves as a record of the PTA's activities and achievements.

If there is no Historian, the Secretary is required to complete this report at the end of each fiscal year and present it at the last membership meeting of the year for adoption by the membership.

Review examples from other campuses in the district for ideas on how to complete this report.

The Activities Report is also referred to as the Historian's Report.  This report serves as a record of the PTA's activities and achievements.

Not sure how to format your report? Utilize this template to ensure all required information is included!

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

Use this worksheet over the course of the year, populating it with key information as you go for your PTA's Annual Report.  

Key dates for events such as board and membership meetings, programs, and other activities hosted by your PTA must be included in the Annual Report.  Use a calendar format as an attachment to your written report for an easy snapshot of your year!

Included are an example calendar (populated with events) and a blank template for your use.

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

Non-Signer Review Form (external link)

This form is completed monthly by the non-signer, then signed and read into the minutes by the Secretary.

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.

Records Retention Policy (Required) (external link)

Required by TX PTA to be completed annually by the Secretary.  If there are changes from the prior year, it must be adopted by membership.  Otherwise, it only needs to be included in the minutes/records.

Consent for Minors Serving PTA (Required) (external link)

All minors serving on a PTA/PTSA board or committee are required to complete this consent form annually.

Social Media Policy (Recommended) (external link)

PTAs may customize this policy, if desired, and put it before their membership for adoption.  It is recommended, but not required.

Dues Refund Policy (Required) (external link)

The process of remitting membership dues to Texas PTA is one that impacts the Local, State, and National PTAs. With varying timelines and platforms in place for collecting and distributing dues to the appropriate PTA, Texas PTA follows a specific process for refunds.

E-Commerce Policy (Recommended) (external link)

This policy may be voted on for adoption each year by membership, or incorporated into standing rules.  It can be adopted/incorporated in whole or in part, but wording cannot be altered.

Theft, Fraud & Embezzlement Policy (Required) (external link)

Any suspicion of theft, fraud or embezzlement must be reported immediately to TX PTA and this policy must be followed.

Everything your FRC needs in one document from TX PTA!

A helpful overview on how to manage events, and the funds raised, while remaining in compliance with TX PTA, state and federal guidelines.

Holding a board or membership meeting virtually? Check here for the latest guidelines from TX PTA on conducting the meeting, voting, and more.

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

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. 

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!

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 and membership awards.  Bookmark it and check back frequently to stay on track!

A great resource from TX PTA. Learn about your role as facilitator, the power of mission and purpose, building rapport, drawing boundaries, and increasing the effectiveness of meetings.   

Download or print. Updated annually.

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!