Strong leadership helps SWEPTA thrive.

SWEPTA is a volunteer-led and volunteer-run 501c3 non-profit organization. It thrives because of the time, care, and energy our community members bring to it. This page offers an overview of how SWEPTA is governed, how board leadership is elected, and the roles that help guide our work. You’ll find information about our nominating committee, resources for leaders, descriptions of board positions, and a list of our current board members. Whether you’re curious about how things work or considering getting more involved, you’re in the right place.

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About the PTA

For over a century, PTA has brought families, educators, and communities together to support the well-being and success of every child. Founded in 1905, the Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is now the largest volunteer-led nonprofit in the state, connecting more than 80,000 members across 830+ local PTAs—including ours right here on South Whidbey.

When you join SWEPTA, you’re part of something bigger: a statewide and national movement committed to advocacy, equity, and opportunity for all students. Together, we amplify the voices of caregivers, build bridges between home and school, and help fund the programs and extras that make learning meaningful.

PTA’s Mission:

  • To be a powerful voice for children;

  • A relevant resource for families, schools, and communities;

  • And a strong advocate for the education and well-being of all children.

Our Vision:

That every child’s potential becomes a reality.

  • Bylaws are the rules and regulations enacted by an association to provide a framework for its operation and management. The Washington State PTA Uniform Bylaws provide an outline of our basic purposes, a structure for the governance of the association, and a description of the rights and responsibilities of membership. By their affiliation with National PTA and Washington State PTA, all local PTAs/PTSAs and councils are required to abide by and conform to those bylaws.


  • WSPTA policies     govern and guide the WSPTA board of directors and the WSPTA membership. The WSPTA board of directors owns the WSPTA policies and is charged with revising and updating them to reflect current business practices. The policies address how business is done but allow for some flexibility and nimbleness to address opportunities that may arise.

    Section Three: Local PTAs and Councils should be used as a resource by all PTAs in developing their own policies and procedures that align with the requirements to run an effective PTA. This section explains the standards of affiliation requirements, defines information regarding local PTA membership, considerations on membership dues, function of councils, information about electronic financial transactions, details for elections, procedures for financial reviews, board duties and meetings, explanation about WSPTA resources available, and volunteer recognition options, and more.

    (Note: download the WSPTA Policy Manual for best results in fully rendering the document.)

  • The Washington State PTA board of directors completed the WSPTA 2023-2026 Strategic Plan in the spring of 2023. Information was gathered and analyzed in multiple ways including a listening tour around the state gathering feedback from local leaders in every region.

    The strategic plan includes the following strategic directions and goals:

    Outreach

    • Expand Student Engagement

    • Generate and Cultivate Connections

    • Collaborate and Build Community Partnerships

    Inclusivity

    • Model Inclusivity

    • Operationalize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    • Promote Volunteer Sustainability

    Brand Building

    • Develop Revenue Sources

    • Modernize Marketing & Communications

  • Standing rules are the nuts and bolts of how our PTA operates day to day. While our bylaws provide the legal and structural framework, standing rules outline the specific practices we’ve adopted locally—like how meetings are run, how funds are handled, and what responsibilities board members carry. They help keep our work transparent, consistent, and tailored to the needs of the South Whidbey Elementary community.

    Read our Standing Rule

Board Elections & Nominations

Nominating Committee members will be selected at our January 15th Member Meeting.

See Meeting Details

  • The Nominating Committee is elected by the general membership and plays a key role in shaping the future of our PTA. Their job is to thoughtfully recruit and recommend candidates for elected board positions like President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. This includes reviewing nominations, interviewing potential candidates, and ensuring nominees are prepared to lead with integrity, vision, and a spirit of collaboration.

    This process is confidential, inclusive, and grounded in the best interests of our school community. After presenting a slate of nominees, SWEPTA members vote during a designated election meeting. Additional nominations may also be made from the floor.

    PTA leadership is about teamwork, trust, and shared values—and it all begins with the community stepping up to serve and vote.

  • This handbook provides detailed information on how to elect a nominating committee, how the nominating committee seeks and selects qualified nominees for PTA leadership, and how to elect PTA officers.

    View the Handbook

  • Nominations are open! If you are interested in serving on the board, or if you'd like to recommend someone for a board position, please complete the form at the link below. 

    Submit a Nomination

Board Member Positions

  • The role of PTA President or Vice-President is ideal for someone who enjoys collaboration, communication, and making things happen for our school community. As the elected leaders of the PTA, the president and vice-president help guide the vision, coordinate board and membership meetings, and ensure that our efforts reflect the needs of the South Whidbey Elementary community.

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Serve as the official spokespersons of SWEPTA

    • Preside over meetings, set agendas, and ensure meetings are fair, productive, and inclusive

    • Coordinate with board members, committee chairs, and the principal to support PTA programs and priorities

    • Oversee communication, budgeting, training, and compliance deadlines

    • Encourage leadership development and promote a positive, welcoming culture within the PTA

    • Ensure all officers and chairs are active PTA members and meet required training standards

    Time Commitment: Moderate and consistent throughout the school year; heavier around meetings, events, and planning windows

  • The PTA Secretary is both our record keeper and communications lead, helping ensure meetings are documented accurately and that SWEPTA members stay connected and informed.

    This role blends organization and creativity—perfect for someone who enjoys both details and design.

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Take and maintain official meeting minutes for board and general membership meetings

    • Track attendance and verify quorum for voting

    • Help prepare agendas and issue meeting notices (“call to meeting”)

    • Maintain the board roster, archive important documents, and uphold recordkeeping best practices

    • Record and report election results, votes, and key decisions

    Communications & Outreach Duties:

    • Manage member email communication through Givebacks (formerly MemberHub)

    • Schedule meetings, coordinate digital invites, and assist with calendar planning

    • Maintain and update the SWEPTA website (Squarespace)

    • Create flyers and graphics using Canva for both print and digital use

    • Oversee our Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, shared folders, etc.)

    • Assist with Instagram and Facebook posting and messaging, in coordination with the board

    • Ensure timely and consistent communication with SWEPTA members and the broader community

    Time Commitment: Moderate, with more activity around events and meeting weeks

    Ideal For: Someone who is organized, tech-comfortable, enjoys clear communication, and can juggle a variety of tasks with creativity and consistency

  • The PTA Treasurer is our financial steward—keeping track of every dollar, supporting our programs through budgeting, and ensuring we stay transparent, responsible, and in compliance.

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Manage and safeguard all PTA funds on behalf of members and the board

    • Record and track income and expenses, keeping accurate, up-to-date financial records

    • Deposit funds promptly and securely

    • Pay bills and reimburse approved expenses

    • Reconcile bank accounts monthly and submit required state/federal filings (e.g., IRS 990)

    • Prepare and present monthly and annual financial reports

    • Chair the budget committee and lead the creation of the annual budget

    • Submit records for mid-year and year-end financial reviews

    • Ensure compliance with WSPTA and IRS guidelines (including insurance, filings, and licenses)

    Helpful Tools & Platforms Used:

    • Online banking and financial software (like Excel or QuickBooks)

    • Givebacks (for dues and online membership payments)

    • Google Drive

    Time Commitment: Moderate to heavy, with regular ongoing tasks and key deadlines throughout the year

    Ideal For: Someone who’s organized, detail-oriented, comfortable with spreadsheets and basic accounting, and committed to transparency

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