What to expect/ FAQs

We’ve all walked into a room and had that feeling…

To help avoid it, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at a MacArthur PTA meeting!

What should I expect when I walk through the door? 
As we gather for the meeting, the board will be getting settled at the front table and attendees will be finding seats as well. There are no ‘regular’ seats – and each meeting will likely try to mix up the attendees so we can all get to know each other better. You’ll get a name tag, find a seat and be provided with an iPad to use for the meeting. Those iPads are where you can access the agenda and budget easily online, as needed during the meetings. The meeting will be run following Robert’s Rules.

What are Robert’s Rules (Parliamentary Procedure) and why do we use them? 
It is a set of rules for conduct at meetings that allows everyone to be heard and to make decisions without confusion. Feel free to read the more detailed summary linked above or the very brief one below.  We use them because it’s a time tested method of conducting business at meetings and public gatherings, plus it’s prescribed by article 13 of our bylaws!

Ok, so what does a meeting using Robert’s Rules look like? 

  • Follows a fixed order of business (agenda). Typical agenda for MacArthur PTA includes:
    • Call to order
    • Approval of minutes (notes) from last meeting
    • Treasurer’s report
    • Reports on current business from board and event chairs
    • Unfinished business
    • Any new business
    • Principal’s interest
    • Adjournment
  • Uses a motion/voting structure for members to weigh in on decisions
    • Motions are used to bring a matter to a vote
      • Each motion requires a first and a second before voting
      • Example: “I, Emily, move to buy dinner for teachers during fall conferences”  followed by “I, John, second the motion”
    • Once there is a motion on the floor, there may be debate about it or a vote can be held immediately – typically done by voice
      • those in favor say, “aye”, those opposed to say “no” (Any member may move for a exact count)

 

What’s the big deal about the budget? 

The budget is essentially the annual plan/blueprint for the PTA activities for the year

  • Budget is established approved by vote at a meeting.
  • Anything that is not already included in the budget or any changes to the expenditures in the budget over the year MUST be voted on.
  • This helps keep everything on the up-and-up