Over the past few weeks in the Levittown School District there has been much misinformation and confusion about what PTA can and cannot do.

PTA is held to rules and regulations set by National PTA and New York State PTA. Elected officers of PTA are installed and promise to follow the objectives of PTA. These objects of the New York State PTA are as follows:

* To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship.

* To raise the standards of home life.

* To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

* To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.

* To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

The fact that it is being said that PTA is forgetting the "T" in PTA is absolutely not true. Members of the PTA always have and will continue to cooperate with teachers in the education of children and youth. PTA cannot negotiate the terms of a contract between the school board and any bargaining unit in the district. As stated in the NYS PTA manual, "The PTA is often approached during teacher negotiations. PTAs should refrain from boycotting, picketing, or any other form of demonstrations. Publicize your neutrality and the reasons for it."

As PTA officers, our neutrality must be maintained because PTA works in conjunction with everyone in the school district. We work with teachers, staff, administrators, board of education members, members of the community, and other parents. When the contract is signed and all goes back to "normal," PTA must still be able to work cooperatively with all in the district to maintain our objectives for children and youth.

Likewise, elections for school board members are approaching. Here again, we have very strict guidelines to follow. According to PTA bylaws, "The organization shall not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office." PTA is nonpartisan, which means PTA cannot support or oppose candidates, including those running for school boards.

PTA can take a stand on issues. Although PTA cannot support individuals, it can be concerned with issues, proposals, or plans of actions. PTA can adopt positions expressing support for, or opposition to, issues dealing with the health, safety, education, or general well-being of children and youth.

If we do not follow these guidelines, our PTA will be in direct violation of IRS law concerning tax-exempt status. If a PTA is found guilty of activities contrary to PTA bylaws, that PTA, as well as its officers, could be issued a fine, or lose tax-exempt status, or even possibly lose their charter.

If, in the future, there are any questions about PTA, please ask any PTA officer, or call the council president. We will be glad to answer any questions there may be.