PTA has a lot of power to influence which programs are funded. Ideally the PTA will work with the principal and the college site council to decide jointly which programs shall most benefit the college.

A Faculty may talk to the parent community about a new reading program or student discipline issues. Experts from the community may talk about building better relationships with adolescents, or share important information about college reform initiatives. Parents may raise concerns about such things as homework or proposed changes in the college curriculum. The PTA can also provide a powerful mediating function, providing a neutral forum for resolving conflicts that sometimes occur in college around controversial issues.