The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to establish a clear working relationship between the school administration and the Local PTA while supporting students, families, and the school community.
1. PTA-School Partnership
The school administration and Local PTA should work collaboratively through:
Open and respectful communication
Shared goals that support students and families
Regular communication between the Principal and PTA President
Cooperation on family engagement, school programs, and community involvement
Mutual respect for each organization's responsibilities and authority
The Principal and PTA President should communicate regularly regarding school priorities, PTA activities, and opportunities for collaboration.
2. Independent Nonprofit Status and Governance
The Local PTA is a 501(c)(3), member-based, self-governing nonprofit association affiliated with Louisiana PTA and National PTA and operates under Louisiana PTA's federal group tax exemption.
The PTA and school are separate organizations with separate governing documents and governing authorities. The Local PTA is governed by its members in accordance with its bylaws, approved policies and procedures, Louisiana PTA requirements, National PTA requirements, and applicable state and federal law.
The PTA is not a school club, department, activity account, or financial arm of the school or school district.
The Principal and other school or district personnel may collaborate with the PTA, provide recommendations, identify school needs, and submit requests for consideration. PTA purchases are determined and approved by the Board of Directors and General Membership in accordance with the approved budget.
3. Financial Independence and Authority
PTA funds are funds of the independent nonprofit PTA and must remain separate from school and district funds.
The PTA retains control of its:
Bank and financial accounts
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Funds and fundraising proceeds
Membership funds
Financial records
Payment processing platforms
Contracts and financial commitments
Account credentials and access
PTA funds may not be deposited into or maintained in a school, school district, personal, booster club, or other organization's account. School or district funds may not be deposited into or maintained in a PTA account.
A request from the Principal, school administration, school employee, or school district for PTA funding is a request for consideration only and does not authorize or direct the expenditure of PTA funds.
All PTA expenditures and financial commitments must follow the PTA's approved budget, governing documents, and required approval process.
No school or district employee, solely by virtue of their school position, has authority to:
Direct or control PTA funds
Require the PTA to purchase goods or services
Access or conduct transactions through PTA financial accounts
Change authorized signers
Transfer PTA funds
Commit PTA funds to a vendor, contract, reimbursement, donation, or other financial obligation
Enter into contracts or financial agreements on behalf of the PTA
Nothing in this section prevents the school and PTA from working together to identify needs, develop programs, or determine ways the PTA may support students and the school community.
4. Principal Partnership and Responsibilities
The Principal agrees to:
Respect the PTA's independent governance and decision-making authority.
Maintain regular communication with the PTA President.
Collaborate with the PTA on school needs, student support, family engagement, and opportunities to strengthen the school community.
Respect the PTA's bylaws, policies, and required approval processes.
Refer questions regarding PTA governance, bylaws, finances, compliance, or organizational authority to Louisiana PTA when appropriate.
5. PTA Records and Organizational Property
The PTA maintains control of its records, accounts, organizational identity, and property, including:
Membership records
Meeting minutes and governing documents
Email and social media accounts
Websites and digital platforms
Login credentials
PTA name and logo
Equipment and other PTA-owned property
School or district personnel may not establish accounts in the PTA's name, represent themselves as acting on behalf of the PTA, or use the PTA's name or identity to enter into agreements without proper PTA authorization.
Access to PTA records and property must remain with individuals authorized by the PTA and should be transferred to incoming PTA leadership as part of an orderly officer transition.
6. Resolving Questions or Concerns
The Principal and PTA President should first attempt to resolve questions or concerns through direct communication and review of the PTA's governing documents.
When a question involves PTA governance, finances, compliance, bylaws, or the respective authority of the school and PTA, Louisiana PTA may be contacted for guidance.
