PTA Runs on Volunteer Power. Learn More and Get Involved.

In alignment with Long Beach Council PTA, Lowell PTA is committed to fostering an enriching and supporting climate with a racial, gender, and social equity lens that allows all students, staff, and families to thrive and succeed through:

REPRESENTATION

Make every effort to foster a PTA board and membership that are inclusive and reflective of our Lowell community

INCLUSIVITY

Encourage PTA activities and communications at schools that are representative and inclusive of all Lowell families

ADVOCACY

Support and advocate for activities and practices that eliminate bias, prejudice, and inequities within our school community

COMMUNITY

Encourage families to build relationships with their teachers and school leadership and share opportunities to broaden students’ exposure to various histories and cultures not currently represented in school activities.

ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

Association Meetings take place the fourth Tuesday of each month @ 6:30pm. Only current PTA members can vote on agenda items.

September 2023 Agenda

PARLIAMENTARY BASICS

Parliamentary procedure is a reliable way to run meetings. This starts with understanding the five basic ‘rules of the game’:
• Order – One business item at a time
• Equal Opportunity – Chance to participate
• Justice – Fairness | Everyone understands
• Right of Minority – To be heard
• Right of Majority – To decide

Who runs PTA Meetings?

The PTA President chairs meetings, with assistance and support from the Parliamentarian when they request it.

Who assists the chair?

The PTA Parliamentarian, an appointed position, assists the President with calling on speakers and keeping discussion focused on one topic at a time. Additionally, when several PTA members wish to speak to the same issue, the parliamentarian may assist the president by noting the names of those wishing to speak and the order in which they should be called.

What is Quorum?

Quorum is 16 for Association meetings and 8 for Board meetings

How is a motion presented?

Obtain the floor - wait until the previous speaker is finished
Address the chair, “Mr. or Madam President” and give your name.
The chair will recognize you by repeating your name
Make your motion - stay on subject
Wait for a second or the chair will call for a second
Motions made at the direction of the board or committee do not require a second
The chair states the motion, “It is moved and seconded that we….”
Expand on your motion - as the person who made the motion, you are allowed to speak first. Direct all comments to the chair. You may speak again after all speakers are finished. You may speak a third time by a motion to suspend the rules with a ⅔ vote.
Any member may speak twice (can be amended in the standing rules)
Chair motions to close debate and vote - “Is there any further debate?”
Vote is taken (Zoom participants in a poll, in-person by submitting yea or nay cards)
The chair announces the results

What are the different types of voting?

Voice vote - requires a majority vote. If close, the chair may call for a vote by show of hands (or Zoom poll).
Rising vote - used for motions requiring a ⅔ vote. Or to verify an inconclusive voice vote.
⅔ vote is required to change actions previously adopted by the group, such as bylaws or the budget
Standing rule - may be adopted to limit the length of time for any motion and to limit the number of speakers on each side of the issue and the time to be allotted for each speaker
Most motions require only a majority vote (more than half the members present and voting). But, motions concerning the rights of the assembly or its members need a ⅔ vote to be adopted.
Some motions can be debated again and revoted to give members a chance to change their minds. The motion to reconsider must come from the winning side.

*ALL INFO PRESENTED ABOVE HAS BEEN COMPILED BASED ON ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER AND GUIDANCE FROM CAPTA. IF YOU WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BYLAWS AND PROCEDURE, REACH OUT TO parliamentarian@lowellpta.com.