Believe it or not, it is not too early to start thinking about transitions in preparation for next year. To set up your PTA and incoming board for success it is important to start planning now. Imagine how you would want to begin a new term in your PTA, and create a plan to make that happen. We want every new board member to feel welcome, informed, and ready to do their job. Here are some basics to think about:
- Do you have current job descriptions for your PTA’s officers and board members? Has your nominating committee selected a slate of officers for next year? Has the date for the election been set? Ideally, you want to have elections in time for the new officers to attend the WSPTA convention May 18-23rd and be part of the planning for next year.
- Has your budget committee been selected and begun building next year’s budget? Your PTA should have a membership meeting before June 30, 2020, to adopt your new 2021-2022 budget.
- Do you have a volunteer recognition program/committee? If so, is the committee clear on which awards your PTA gives out? Has the committee received a timeline to know when the decision of recipients must be made, and what the budget is? When, where, and how are recipients recognized?
- Has the board reviewed the standards of affiliation and your current standing rules to make sure you have accomplished the requirements set forth by the state PTA and by your members? If there are still incomplete tasks, now is the time to create a plan to get them finished.
- Have you talked to your fellow board members about preparing their plans and documents for their successor? Do they know to clean up and complete notebooks or electronically stored files? Do you have a plan to transfer passwords and banking access on July 1st?
- Retreats are fun and can be done virtually if necessary. They are a great way to get your new team ready for the new PTA year. It’s not too early to set a date so everyone can save that date!