Standing rules are the procedures of the organization, or general policy that are not included in the bylaws. They cannot be in conflict with the bylaws. Unlike bylaws, standing rules can be changed or amended at any time, with a two-thirds vote of the board of managers. Standing rules are unique to each specific PTA, and are for the use of the PTA board, therefore they do not need to be sent to the state or district offices. Standing rules make the frequent/common actions simpler and provide for fairness and continuity of board decisions. They are the details of daily PTA work.
A few examples:
Bylaws state how many general meetings of the association are held.
Standing Rules tell when and what time these meetings are held.
Bylaws give the number of officers for a specific PTA.
Standing Rules give the specific officers’ duties and list the standing committees.
Bylaws state that a PTA must conduct the parent representative election to the school SBDM Council.
Standing Rules give the specifics of carrying out the election.
Some things you may wish to include in your standing rules are:
- The duties of officers and other board members.
- A list of officers and committee chairmen that will comprise your board. (Don’t for get to include your counselor and
- FYRC Coordinator.)
- Provisions for officers and other board members to submit plans of work for approval by the president.
- Provisions for expense reimbursement for board members.
- Policy regarding handling money.
- Provisions for conducting the parent representative election for the SBDM Council. (See the KY. PTA SBDM Parent Handbook)
- If, to whom, and under what circumstances flowers, gifts or cards will be sent.
- The amount of money to be spent on gifts for staff, faculty, and board members.
- Members of the board who may attend the state, district and other PTA events at your PTA’s expense. (i.e. State Convention, KY. PTA Leadership Conference, legislative training, Awards Banquet…)
- Who will receive subscriptions to the KY. PTA bulletin, and the national PTA magazine at your PTA’s expense.
- When board meetings will be held.
- Who the check signers will be (it’s best to have three–usually the president, treasurer, and one other officer.)
- Who will buy and present the outgoing president’s pin.
- Provisions for notification when a board member cannot attend a meeting.
- Provisions for replacing a board member, in the event that a board member misses too many meetings unexcused, or fails to carryout his/her responsibilities.
- The standard expectations of board members.