Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian is an officer usually appointed by the president, subject to ratification by the executive board. The role involves ensuring the maintenance of parliamentary procedures in the functioning of the PTA in office.

The Parliamentarian shall:

• Attend all meetings of the association and of the executive board and give necessary advice in parliamentary procedure when requested.

• Call the first meeting of the nominating committee, conduct election of a chairman and give instructions in procedure, and may be contacted for additional information, if needed; and shall attend meetings of the nominating committee only if elected to serve as a member of the committee.

• Chair the bylaws committee and review bylaws and standing rules annually. 

• Use the latest version of Bylaws for Local PTA/PTSA Units

• Submit any proposed revisions to the Board and seek approval of the Bylaws from the assigned channels.

• Be trained and informed on Parliamentary procedures and Unit Bylaws to be able to interpret PTA policies.

• Learn, and ensure Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority during the functioning of the PTA.

• Ensure that Unit Bylaws, being in the nature of specific rules governing that Unit, are upheld where in conflict with any general rule of Parliamentary procedure.

• Verify the PTA council (if in council) and district PTA have a current copy of the unit’s bylaws

• Ensure each member of the executive board has a current copy of the unit’s bylaws and standing rules. Any member is entitled to a copy upon request.

• Provide the members and the executive board with training on simple parliamentary procedures; how to state a motion, rules of debate, quorums.

• Assist the president in meeting preparation, when requested.

• Advise presiding officer, when requested, on questions of parliamentary procedure. Parliamentarians do not “rule.” Only the chair has the power to rule on a question of order. If the parliamentarian has expressed an opinion at the request of the chair, the chair must still make the ruling.

• Assist the presiding officer by keeping track of the order of those wishing to speak, motions, amendments, voting, etc., during meetings.

• Encourage attendance at trainings on parliamentary procedures and/or bylaw workshops when offered by the California State PTA, district PTA or council (if in council).

• Be entitled to all rights and privileges of membership including the right to make motions, debate and vote.

Principles of parliamentary law are

… justice and courtesy to all;

… rights of the minority protected;

… rule of the majority reflected;

… partiality to none;

… consideration of one subject at a time.