We have always referred to ourselves as a PTA and have had membership cards, but I don't think we are truly a PTA. We have had no formal structure in 3 years as most of our parents and staff that were involved have resigned or moved on as their children have left the school and it has now just been kind of dropped and left for someone else to start over. I don't even know where to begin as far as starting over. According to the previous "President" there are funds still sitting in a bank account but no one has access to the info besides her. I am attempting to meet with her to get the banking and see where things stand. We are listed on the National PTA website as being a PTA but I know that beyond the president postion there are no other positions being held and I'm sure that we will have to start from scratch with whatever we do. I like the idea of being independant(PTO) but don't even know where to begin to end this prior mess and start all over. We are having a meeting on the 15th of September to see what we can make of this mess. Where do I start to get documentation to begin again and clean up what was left behind?

Have you contacted the Michigan State PTA Office? I am sure they can give you alot of support and guidence!
The change from PTA to PTO should be made on a vote of the school comunity with full information from both sides.
Either PTO or PTA, please remember 2 things; don't assume that change will automatically create a full, active board and membership. And 2; Please always keep the Children first!!! Leave the egos at the door.

MDH has your school been paying dues into the National PTA during the last three years? That may say something about it. I don't know much about the PTA but i am sure someone will answer this post!