PTA Meetings
PTA runs on volunteer power. Learn how meetings work and get involved.
Association Meetings
Association Meetings, which all members can attend, take place the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm (except the first meeting of the year, which occurs on the second Tuesday of September).
Only current PTA members can vote on agenda items.
Join PTA TodayAgendas
Have something you'd like the association to discuss? Send it to the President ahead of the meeting.
Deadline to submit: 11 days before the association meeting.
September 2026 agenda: coming soon
September PTA Association Meeting
Tue · Sep 8 · 6:30pm · Lowell Library + Zoom
RSVP NowOur Commitment
In alignment with Long Beach Council PTA, Lowell PTA is committed to fostering an enriching and supporting climate with a racial, gender, and social equity lens that allows all students, staff, and families to thrive and succeed through:
Representation
Make every effort to foster a PTA board and membership that are inclusive and reflective of our Lowell community.
Inclusivity
Encourage PTA activities and communications at schools that are representative and inclusive of all Lowell families.
Advocacy
Support and advocate for activities and practices that eliminate bias, prejudice, and inequities within our school community.
Community
Encourage families to build relationships with their teachers and school leadership and share opportunities to broaden students' exposure to various histories and cultures not currently represented in school activities.
Parliamentary Basics
Parliamentary procedure is a reliable way to run meetings. It starts with understanding the five basic "rules of the game": Order (one business item at a time), Equal Opportunity (chance to participate), Justice (fairness, everyone understands), Right of Minority (to be heard), and Right of Majority (to decide).
Who runs PTA meetings?
The PTA President chairs meetings, with assistance and support from the Parliamentarian when they request it.
Who assists the chair?
The PTA Parliamentarian, an appointed position, assists the President with calling on speakers and keeping discussion focused on one topic at a time. Additionally, when several PTA members wish to speak to the same issue, the parliamentarian may assist the president by noting the names of those wishing to speak and the order in which they should be called.
What is quorum?
Quorum is 16 for Association meetings and 8 for Board meetings.
How is a motion presented?
Obtain the floor (wait until the previous speaker is finished), address the chair ("Mr. or Madam President") and give your name. The chair will recognize you by repeating your name. Make your motion and stay on subject, then wait for a second (motions made at the direction of the board or committee do not require one). The chair states the motion: "It is moved and seconded that we...". As the person who made the motion, you speak first; direct all comments to the chair. You may speak again after all speakers are finished, and a third time by a motion to suspend the rules with a 2/3 vote. Any member may speak twice. The chair then closes debate ("Is there any further debate?"), the vote is taken (Zoom participants in a poll, in-person by yea or nay cards), and the chair announces the results.
What are the different types of voting?
A voice vote requires a majority; if close, the chair may call for a show of hands or Zoom poll. A rising vote is used for motions requiring a 2/3 vote, or to verify an inconclusive voice vote. A 2/3 vote is required to change actions previously adopted by the group, such as bylaws or the budget. A standing rule may be adopted to limit the length of time for any motion, the number of speakers on each side, and the time allotted per speaker. Most motions require only a majority (more than half the members present and voting), but motions concerning the rights of the assembly or its members need a 2/3 vote. Some motions can be debated again and revoted to give members a chance to change their minds; the motion to reconsider must come from the winning side.
All info presented above has been compiled based on Robert's Rules of Order and guidance from CAPTA. If you wish to learn more about the bylaws and procedure, reach out to parliamentarian@lowellpta.com.