PTAs represent nonprofit entities which are subject to direction only by their state PTA and the National PTA.
The PTA has a tri-level structure; National, state and local.
The National PTA is a nonprofit corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It has established affiliates in all states to establish and direct local PTAs. Both the National PTA and state PTAs have established strict procedures for chartering PTAs at the local level.
Local PTAs are separate legal entities which further the PTA mission of providing parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of children.
Local PTAs work in harmony with school personnel. Their relationship with school districts' is defined as an independent, but school-affiliated organization. This independence means that PTA bylaws, financial transactions, and business are not under the authority of the school district, administration, or employees.
Leadership at every PTA level has a responsibility to transmit information, ideas, and records of achievement. The "channels of communication" are merely an organized method of strengthening PTA by sharing the work of all PTA Unit, Council, State, and National PTA leaders.