The officers needed in every PTA unit include a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Officers are nominated and elected according to the guidelines specified in the local unit's bylaws. The bylaws also specify the length of the term each officer serves as well as the number of consecutive terms an individual may serve in one position.

There are two types of committees that serve a local PTA unit: standing and special.

A standing committee is a committee that performs an ongoing function. The National PTA recommends that standing committees for a local PTA unit include: membership, programs and events, public relations, budget and finance, parent involvement, and legislation and advocacy. These committee designations represent the major areas that local units should focus their time and efforts on.

All other committees are called special committees and perform tasks specifically assigned to them. Special committees are formed as needed and are generally dissolved after their assigned task is completed.

Committee chairman are generally appointed and approved by the President and elected officers of the local unit. The length of the terms standing committee chairman serve is generally the same as that of officers. Special committee chairman generally serve as chairman of the committee until the assigned task is completed.

After elections, each local unit must notify the Iowa PTA Office of the name, address, phone number, and email address of all newly elected officers and chairpersons. Providing this information to the PTA Office each year is one of the requirements for a local unit to remain in "good standing".

Use the following form to submit the names of your local units' newly elected officers to the Iowa PTA Office:

• New Officer Form

More information about the duties of elected officers, parliamentary procedures, and guidelines for conducting meetings can be found in the PTA President's Quick-Reference Guide at www.pta.org/local_leadership_program_1121707157140.html