Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions.
- I have already been to PTA training, why would I go again?
- What is the 2010 Legislation Program for Virginia State PTA?
- What does our local unit need to do in order to be considered
- When and where is the District holding the 2010 training?
- When are District Awards for Reflections given?
- Can we show movies on DVDs at PTA meetings?
- Do we really need PTA insurance?
- Why do we have to have an audit?
- When and where is the 2010 Annual Meeting?
- What is this year's Essay Theme?
- What is the 2009-2010 Reflections Theme?
- When and where is the Annual State PTA Convention?
- How do I get a copy of my current local unit bylaws?
- I'm a new officer, what should I do first?
I have already been to PTA training, why would I go again?
In Virginia there are a variety of training activities offered.
While information is the same, an individual will get something
out of every training event they attend depending on the
trainer. This training makes for a strong PTA leadership base in
your PTA. Make sure at the minimum a Treasurer and President
have had some form of formal PTA training. Set the example, go
to training!
Some trainings (Our District one)are free, some (The State
Leadership Training Conference LTC) have a small charge to
attend. $35.00 if paid on time. Don't forget PTA training is a
legitimate PTA expense. Make sure to include it in your budgets.
Attending training at either or both events offers an ideal way
to "network" with other leaders just like yourself. Don't miss
out on this valuable experience! You won't be sorry you did.
What is the 2010 Legislation Program for Virginia State PTA?
2010 Virginia PTA
Proposed Legislative Program (PLP)
THE PLP is the step in the PTA legislation process when members
should be given the opportunity to review and vote on the Policy
Statements that will result in the Legislation Program.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEMS (LAI) are requests for the introduction,
passage, or defeat of specific legislation by the General
Assembly and/or regulations by the Board of Education or other
appropriate agencies.
POLICY STATEMENTS (PS) are statements of the Virginia PTA/PTSA on
general issues and may be used as the basis for addressing issues
before the General Assembly, Virginia Board of Education or other
appropriate agencies.
The complete program and ballots are found on the documents
section of this website.
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Find your delegate:
http://dela.state.va.us/dela/MemBios.nsf/MWebsiteTL?OpenView
What does our local unit need to do in order to be considered
National/State dues must be received in the Virginia State PTA
office no later than December 1. Your Bylaws must be "current"
meaning that they are less than 5 years old. Check the front
page or call the state office to check on that date. Have an
audit completed each year at the minimum or whenever there is a
change in Treasurer's. A copy of this audit MUST be approved by
your general membership and mailed to the state office. File your
taxes (every unit) with the IRS and send a copy to your council
president and the state office.
When and where is the District holding the 2010 training?
When: June 3, 2010
Where: Woodside High School, Newport News, VA
*Free training but you must register to receive handouts*
5:00 - 9:00 P.M.
This is a legitimate use of PTA funds and should be reflected on
your budgets
approved by your general membership.
When are District Awards for Reflections given?
The awards will be given at each Council's
Reflection's Awards ceremony. That way the entire school
division can celebrate their winning at the District Level.
Can we show movies on DVDs at PTA meetings?
This is a copyright issue. There are some films (much older
release times)that Disney and other film companies allow to be
shown with no fees. It makes no difference whether you are
charging or not, you must pay for the copyright (that message you
see on DVD rentals applies here). We would suggest that you go
online and look for web site. They should have contact info for
copyright compliance. There will be a fee but for non-profits,
it generally is not extremely high. PTA is a separate entity and
therefore, must apply for their own permission to show. All
Night Grad parties that show movies must also be aware of
copyright issues. As an example, the Virginia PTA each year must
pay a fee to be able to play music at our events, whether
convention or LTC. Just something we automatically must do.
FYI, they are cracking down on this issue so it is important that
you make that contact.
Do we really need PTA insurance?
Insurance is highly recommended for all PTA local units and
councils. The coverage can help with bonding and insuring the
PTA against lawsuits and personal injury while a person attends a
PTA sponsored event. Make sure to put this as your first
purchase each year and include the coverage in your budget.
Renzi, Nuccio, and Aim are some of the PTA insurance carriers
that offer coverage in Virginia. You can check their websites
for more info.
Why do we have to have an audit?
An audit protects the Treasurer in particular and the unit as a
whole by having a third party check the treasurer's work each
year. The audit is presented to the board which then takes it
for approval to the General Membership (usually at the first
meeting of the year.) An audit is necessary each time there is a
change in the office of Treasurer and yearly at the end of the
budget year. A copy should be mailed to your council president
and to the state office in order to keep your tax-exempt status.
When and where is the 2010 Annual Meeting?
Williamsburg/James City County council will be hosting our annual
dinner on April 15, 2010.
More info will be in the February, 2010 newletter.
What is this year's Essay Theme?
Check out of Essay section of this Website for more info.
What is the 2009-2010 Reflections Theme?
Check out the Reflections portion of the website for the most up
to date info.
When and where is the Annual State PTA Convention?
The Virginia PTA State Convention will be held in Fredericksburg,
Virginia. Information has been mailed to all local unit
presidents in early September,2009. Check the Virginia PTA
website for more details.
How do I get a copy of my current local unit bylaws?
Contact the State PTA office at info@vapta.org to request a copy
be mailed for faxed to you. Each member of the board should have
a copy of the current bylaws. A copy of the bylaws should be
available for viewing by any member who requests it. You can
post one at your PTA "table" if you have one at your school, or
you can have one kept in the library for that purpose.
I'm a new officer, what should I do first?
First of all congratulations, you really are going to make a
difference in the lives of the children at your school. Next,
get your officer contact info into your council president and the
State PTA office so that you will get the mailings and emails you
will find invaluable. This form is now electronic so don't worry
about mailing. Also send a copy to your council president so
they can keep you in the loop on council issues.
Last but NOT LEAST...make sure to get the training you your board
needs to do your jobs efficiently. You wouldn't take a paid job
with no training would you? We offer a District training each
June and the State PTA offers one in mid-summer each year. Make
a point to see that funds are available for your board's raining.
Training is a legitimate PTA expense and should be included on
your budget each and every year. Without trained, experienced
leaders your PTA will struggle.
That is the main difference between PTAs and PTOthers...you have
a strong support system from the local, district and state
level that you can't find anywhere else.
Make a real difference, get the training you need ASAP!