I am nominated for PTA president for the next school year. As I researched this potential position, I asked myself (and other parents) what are we getting for our membership dues? Many parents (including myself up until this point) didn't realize that most of dues go to the State PTA.
Anyway, I memo'd the teacher reps to our 3 schools (we're a small district) asking them if they could poll for opinions. I also stated that I'd like this info within the week because I made an appointment with the superintendent.
Apparently 1 of the teachers thought I wasn't going through "proper channels". She believes that the change must be initiated by the PTA and that it is up to the PTA to vote whether to change or not and it's not up to me to go and talk to the superintendent about this.

HELP ME OUT ON THIS ONE...
My thinking is that one has nothing to do with the other. Yes, PTA should vote whether they should dissolve or not (and its registered members), but they (the PTA machine) shouldn't be looking into becoming a PTO instead should they? Isn't that like, conflict of interest or something?
And whether I go to my schools' superintendent is irrelevant. I'm a parent, he works for me. As long as I didn't go in there as a representative of the PTA or representing the views of the PTA what does it matter?

WHAT HAVE OTHER SCHOOLS DONE TO BRING UP THE CHANGE? Should I look into offering this as a separate group and wait for the PTA members to defect to the PTO before dissolving the PTA or what?

Should there be a PTA sub-committee researching this?

Any schools out there offering BOTH a PTA and a PTO?

Just like the rest of you on this great web-site...we just wanna do what's best for our kids.

Any insight or incouragement would be great!

[ 03-23-2002: Message edited by: StopMeBeforeIVolunteerAgain ]

[ 03-23-2002: Message edited by: StopMeBeforeIVolunteerAgain ]</p>

Hi StopMe --

Some of your note is confusing, but I'll try to give you what is the most common timing along with some opinion.

Typically, the parent group itself deides on its affiliation. There's no conflict there. You're not choosig between countries; you're just choosing how your particular group will continue to be run. An existing PTA's local members can certainly (and should) be the research and decision-making body for a change. By the same token, a local PTO's members would be the right folks to explore a change to affiliating with the PTA.

If you believe a change to PTO is wise, you can get that discussion on your agenda. And you can make your case inside of and outside of meetings heading toward a vote.

In my opinion, having both a PTO and a PTA is not wise. It's confusing for the general parent population and -- in the end -- both groups wind up being less effective than they could be. PTOs and PTAs do the same "stuff." The name difference is based on whether you want to be affiliated with the national PTA or not. If your group wants to be a PTA, I wouldn't advise creating a PTO too. Similarly, if your group wants to be a PTO, I wouldn't advise having a PTA too.

Good luck,

Tim

hi, one of the schools in our neighbourhood changed to a pto over the summer a few years ago, but it seemed very underhanded in the way they went about it. There were no discussions about it, they just went door to door and got signatures. I think that it is definently something that needs to be discussed with membership, let them know all the pros/cons to each side and then let them decide. For me personally, I was very glad that we were a pta because we had some serious issues in the beginning of the year and it was nice to have backup. (district and state). I think if it were to come up again, it wouldn't be bad because the issues have since been resolved. (although, we have a great district rep and I would hate to lose that). Good luck. maggie

Thanks for the insight!
I guess that's just what I needed to hear..whether we sould discuss and research the prospect of changing to a PTO either inside or outside of the PTA meetings.
I suppose I will do both.
One of my concerns was like that of "nicurn's", I don't want to change without notifying the families. That's one of our problems now, no communication.
"Nicurn", you're lucky to have such a good relationship with your PTA rep. Maybe that's our problem too...not taking advantage of what the State and National PTA have to offer. A "pros and cons" list/survey sounds like a fair and impartial way to go. I better get crackin'...

It sounds like you have a good plan of action in mind. I agree with what's been said above. Your goal should definitely be to explore the pros and cons of EACH organization in an open, ojbective way.

We are a PTO, and that decision was made years before I was here. It's fine - perhaps even what I would have personally chose - but I believe that people seriously underestimate the value of the PTA infrastructure when it comes to processes, rules, officer training, professional expertise, documentation, etc. It may be that, after exploring the issues, your group decides to change. Or, it might be that you become aware of more benefits and services you could utilize as a PTA group. Either way, I think you "win" because your group will be more knowledgeable and making decisions based on accurate information.

One last thing, if you do plan to meet with the Superintendent, I strongly encourage you to let your principal know - just as a matter of courtesy.

Of course if there is a PTA in existence, there must be a reason. A group of concerned folks at one time or another researched the benefits of PTA and voted to organize one. One single person should not be able to make the decision. I would suggest contacting the state PTA and/or PTA council for further information. I bet that they would send a representative to provide you with answers to your questions and guidence.