I am currently PTA president of an elementary school in Rhode Island. We are thinking of switching to be a PTO. Can anyone offer any insight....pro's vs, con's of doing this.....has anyone changed?? Was it met with resistance?

Laura in R.I;
you ned to consult wiht your state PTA representative--and also take a good look at your local unit and state bylaws, as there may be penalties for your organization if it decides to withdraw the National organization
Sharon

What do you mean by penalties? Are there are examples of such? Are they financial penalties?

Laura-

We are a PTO and we have bylaws and we are a non-profit and we file our paperwork every year.

I would think that if you choose to be a PTO and do things right, no one could really complain. Free country and stuff, you know?

I am presently a PTA President in TN, but I am very interested in getting information on PTOs. I'm not sure that I'm ready to lead the charge to change from PTA to PTO, but there are several things our PTA Board members do not like within the PTA organization.

I think that if you decide to dissolve your local PTA unit, you are required to turn over ALL of your assets ($) to National PTA. Check your State and local PTA by-laws to be sure.

I guess you might just plan one last major project to finish out the year, and there won't be any funds to worry about!!
Jane in TN

Unused funds have to be tured over to the state PTA. If the money is used to make purchases for the school or other appropriate purposes, then there is nothing to turn over.

The one thing that shouldn't be done is divide the money among the members or among the officers. A PTA that closes down still is obliged to spend the money for children. If the group can't find a way to do that, the state PTA will find a way do it for them. The money stays with the children of the community.

It's not some sort of money grab, it's using the money for the intended purpose.