What is a PA/PTA?

Parent Associations (PAs) and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) are school-based organizations open to all parents of children currently attending a New York City public school.  The PA/PTA is a primary vehicle for parents to get involved in their children’s schools.

How do I join my school’s PA/PTA?

All parents are automatically members of their school’s PA/PTA. There are no pre-qualifications required to participate in a school’s PA/PTA. There is no need to join the PA/PTA.The term parent includes the student’s parent or guardian, or any person in a parental or custodial relationship to the student. 

What is the role of the PA/PTA?

The PA/PTA helps parents become involved in their children’s education, share ideas, and enrich their school communities. Each PA/PTA develops its own bylaws, elects officers, and holds regular meetings. While the specific roles of PA/PTAs vary, their responsibilities include: 

• Electing parent members to serve on School Leadership Teams and Community Education Councils 

• Conducting outreach to get other parents involved in school life

• Supporting school activities like Parent-Teacher Conferences, open houses and curriculum nights

• Holding fundraising activities to benefit the educational, social and cultural programs in the school 

What is a School Leadership Team?

School Leadership Teams (SLTs) are school-based organizations composed of an equal number of parents and staff. They meet at least once a month, and determine the structure for school-based planning and shared decision-making.

SLT members:

SLTs must include as mandatory members: the school principal, the PA/PTA president (or designated co-president), the UFT chapter leader, and an equal number of parents and staff. High school teams must also include at least two students. SLTs may elect to include representatives from community-based organizations.

SLTs’ roles in schools:

The core responsibility of each SLT is to develop the school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) that is aligned with the school-based budget. SLTs are strongly encouraged to solicit input from various school community constituencies in order to ensure that all voices are heard regarding the needs of students. Functioning in a collaborative manner, SLTs also help to evaluate the effectiveness of the school’s educational programs and their impact on student achievement. SLTs receive support and guidance as needed from their District Leadership Teams.

How do I join my school’s SLT?

Parent members of an SLT are nominated by the school’s PA/PTA.

Relevant Legislation:

Under State Education Law, Section 2590, all New York City public schools are required to establish School Leadership Teams. SLTs must comply with the current Chancellor’s Regulation A–655. 

Who can attend SLT meetings?

All SLT Meetings are open and non-SLT members are welcome and may participate upon recognition by the Chairperson. The Chairperson will reserve the last 15 minutes of the meeting for observers that submit a written request ahead of time.