You have come to the right place. I am more PTO geared but there are some very wise PTA parents on here, just ask a question and it will be answered.
Study your bylaws and it may have what you need to know about principals permission. Our principal serves pretty much as the head advisor, she helps us with the red tape stuff and as President I felt more comfortable running everything through her. It is the Principal's school.
I am an incoming president and have many questions. The previous president will not be
around for assistance. I have so many basic quesitons. Is there a website, phone number, etc that I can get in touch with to answer my questions? i.e. What can I do without the permission of the principal? As a PTA, are we allowed to buy books?