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About PTA Council of Howard County

What is PTA Council?

PTA Council of Howard County is the local PTAs organized under the authority of MD PTA for the purpose of conference, leadership training, and coordination of the efforts of the local PTAs.  Councils are an effective means of unifying PTA activities and collaborating on projects in the community and school district.  Council  fills the important role in the PTA of providing support and assistance to the local PTAs.

The Structure of the Council

Each local PTA in Howard County belongs to the Council. Annual dues are paid to PTA Council by November 1st of each year.

Each local PTA unit shall have a total of 3 possible votes: PTA President and 2 delegates.

The delegates from each local PTA are responsible for reporting on the business conducted at the Council general membership meetings.

A delegate should not represent more than one local PTA unit at the PTA Council general membership meeting.   One person equals one vote.

Any PTA member may attend the general membership meetings, however the privilege of introducing motions and voting shall be limited to the voting body from each local PTA unit as described above.

The PTA Council usually meets on the first Monday of the month September (Sept. actually the Tues. after Labor Day) through June.  Meetings are held at the ARL (Applications Research Lab) located at 10920 Route 108, Ellicott City, Maryland 21042.  Meetings begin at 7:30pm.

What does a PTA Delegate do?

PTA Council delegates and PTA Presidents are the all-important communication link between the local PTA unit and the PTA Council.

Delegates should be elected according to local bylaws. They are voting members of their local PTA Executive Board and vote as directed by their local PTA unless authorized to use their own judgment. It is preferable for delegates to ascertain local opinion prior to voting. However, when time does not permit for consultation, delegates must vote their conscience utilizing their own experience and good judgment.

Each delegate may cast only one vote. If a delegate represents more than one local PTA, the delegate cannot be expected to vote in accordance with each of those PTA’s wishes. Therefore, local units should attempt to fill the delegate position with someone who does not hold a delegate’s position on another local PTA Executive Board to assure local representation.

Duties of Delegates

  • Be familiar with bylaws, policies, and procedures at all PTA levels.
  • Attend every meeting of the local PTA unit and the Council.
  • Bring to Council meetings any concerns or action items from the local unit which the delegate is directed to introduce.
  • Take careful notes at Council meetings, and give a full report at the next regular meeting of the local PTA unit.
  • Verify that a PTA Council Delegate's report is included on the local PTA unit's agenda. (Delegates reporting forms are available at each Council meeting.)
  • Initiate discussion, gather information, and encourage local PTA unit action concerning Council agenda items when necessary.
  • Bring to the attention of the Council any projects and programs the local PTA unit is involved in and wishes to share with other locals.
  • Use PTA Council meetings to become acquainted with delegates of other schools.
  • Volunteer to serve on a Council committee or represent the Council on a Board of Education committee.
  • Help to find qualified and willing people for Council officers and chair positions by providing names of local members with leadership qualities.

PTAs and the Board of Education

  • Agendas for each Board meeting are available on the HCPSS website at  http://www.hcpss.org/board/
  • PTA members should be encouraged to serve on BOE task forces and advisory committees.
  • PTA newsletters should develop their readers' understanding of important school system issues.

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is embodied in the Department of Education (DOE), as distinguished from the Board of Education (BOE).

PTACHC Links

PTA Council Testimony

For the most recent Testimony by PTA Council click here.

Additional information on PTA Council of Howard County is available at the PTACHC Office. Contact us: Our office manager will be happy to assist you!
We are located at:

Faulkner Ridge Center
10598 Marble Faun 
Columbia, Md. 21044
tel: 410-740-5153
mailto: ptachc@gmail.com - best way to get in touch with Council

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