Policy 4115 - School-Support Organizations Attachment No. 1

PTA, Booster Clubs and Parent Groups 

The singular most important distinction between PTAs, booster clubs or parent groups are the reason they have organized. Booster Clubs generally support the athletic program of a specific school although they also support other school activities. Parent groups are usually organized as a special interest group: Music Parents, Cheer Parents, and etc. 

All nonprofit organizations are governed and regulated by essentially the same set of rules, regulations and laws. These rules are basically the same for professional societies, trade associations, charitable organizations, social welfare organizations, PTAs, fraternal societies, non-affiliated parent groups, booster clubs, civic and community organizations, and etc. (PTA and the Law, Washington State PTA, forward. The booklet outlines the basic rules, regulations and laws affecting all private, nonprofit associations.) 

A group wishing to organize as a booster club or parent group should be directed to communicate with the office of Washington State PTA, 2003 - 65th Avenue West, Tacoma, WA 98466-6215. Phone 253-565-2153. 

Directors of nonprofit corporations owe important duties to the organizations they serve. These duties are imposed both by the courts and by state and federal statutes. Directors of nonprofit corporations owe three basic common-law duties to the organization they serve: 

  1. A duty of obedience 
  2. A duty of care; and 
  3. A duty of loyalty. 

In addition, the Revised Code of Washington imposes statutory duties. Collectively, these are known as Fiduciary Duties or Responsibilities. A breach of these duties may lead to personal liability, loss of tax-exempt status, or both. 

Washington State also imposes statutory duties upon directors of nonprofit corporations. These duties described in [RCW 24.03.127] are consistent with the common-law duties described in PTA and the Law. 

PTAs, booster clubs or parent groups are, private, non-profit tax-exempt membership associations. Units can be formed, under the right circumstances, in conjunction with special community-wide, children-oriented programs or projects. These groups provide a service to students in a school community; and members work closely with principals, teachers, and staff in order to supply this service. This, however, is a private organization (PTA, Booster Club or Parent Group) working with a public organization (the school district). 

WASBO ASB Procedures Manual: PTA Activities 

PTA funds must be kept separate from school funds, never deposit into a school account or place funds in a school safe. School funds are public monies, and PTA funds are private non-profit monies. Many districts have procedures for organizations to follow with regard to fund raising on school property using staff and students. Outside groups should familiarize themselves with these procedures. 

PTAs must clearly be in charge of the activity. 

The following are items that should be considered: 

  • The contract must be signed by PTA president or designee. 
  • PTA has to have been involved in the creation and planning of the activity as well as the implementation: 
    • Provide the majority of manpower. 
    • Have a committee for the activity. 
    • Provide insurance for the activity. 
  • School district personnel should only be involved on non-staff time. 
  • Activity must have been approved by the PTA membership or board and be included in the PTA budget. 
  • A facility permit may be required per district policy # 4330. 
  • Funds are not to be held in any district facility or bank account. 

If the above criteria is not met, then the activity is not PTA and any funds raised at the activity do not belong to the PTA.