What Guidance and Programs Does PTACHC Offer to Local PTA/PTSA Units?

The PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC) serves Howard County's 74 PTA/PTSA units by providing operational guidance, financial and compliance resources, and student-facing programs. Its stated purpose is to support member units through advocacy, leadership development, parent involvement, and education. If you are a local PTA/PTSA officer, delegate, or committee chair, the council's website is organized as a reference library for running your unit — from bylaws and treasurer duties to art and scholarship programs.

Operational Guides for Running a PTA/PTSA

PTACHC publishes role-based guides so each officer knows what their position involves. The site lists guides for:

• Presidents and vice presidents — overall unit leadership
• Secretaries — recordkeeping and meeting documentation
• Treasurers — financial management (see the financial section below)
• Delegates — what a PTA delegate does and how delegates participate in council business
• Membership — membership guides for recruiting and retaining members
• Nomination/elections — running officer elections
• Principals and the PTA — how the unit works with school leadership
• Bylaws and committees — board structure and committee roles

There is also a PTA unit websites section, useful if your unit needs to set up or maintain its own site, and an "Other Guides" category for topics that don't fit the standard officer roles.

Financial, Compliance, and Risk Management Resources

A large share of PTACHC's guidance addresses the money and legal side of running a unit. Topics covered include:

• 501(c)(3) status — operating as an incorporated nonprofit
• Carry-over and reserve funds — how to handle funds left at year end
• Disaster assistance — support options when a unit faces hardship
• Fundraising — how to run fundraising activities
• Grants and donations — accepting and managing outside money
• Protecting PTA assets — safeguarding unit resources
• Records retention — how long to keep different types of records
• Sales tax — sales tax considerations for PTA activities
• Sponsorship vs. endorsement — distinguishing between the two when working with outside parties

These pages matter most to treasurers and presidents, since they carry the compliance responsibility for the unit.

Student Programs and Scholarships

Beyond governance, PTACHC runs or coordinates programs that directly serve students:

• Reflections Art Program — the national PTA arts recognition program, administered locally through the council
• Scholarship Program — scholarship support for students
• Technology Initiatives — technology-related programs for units and students
• After Prom — an after-prom program listed under the council's advocacy and program offerings

The council also collects an optional scholarship donation alongside annual dues, which funds part of this work.

Meetings, Forms, and Ongoing Communication

PTACHC keeps units connected through recurring meetings and required reporting:

• General meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at the Homewood Center. Materials from previous general meetings are posted for reference.
• Officer contact form — units must submit their officer contact information for the coming school year, even if officers haven't changed from the prior year. PTACHC uses this to send notices about meetings, events, and training opportunities.
• Free State PTA officer list — units are also expected to submit their officer list to Free State PTA via Givebacks.
• Private Facebook group — a closed group for local PTA officers only, used for peer communication.

Dues and Deadlines to Plan Around

For the 2026–27 school year, PTACHC council dues are $200.00, payable to "PTA Council of Howard County" or "PTACHC," and due by November 1, 2026. Checks require two signatures. Units download the Dues & Scholarship Invoice 2026-27 and mail it with payment; an optional scholarship donation of any amount can be included.

How to Decide Where to Start

The practical first step for any unit at the start of a school year is submitting the officer contact form and confirming your dues deadline, since those two actions keep you on the council's communication list and in good standing. From there, use the role-specific guide that matches your position.