I'm in the process of trying to win my fellow PTA members over to the idea of becoming a PTO. They are questioning, "Who will we be accountable to if we are a PTO?" In other words, if we encounter a problem, we do not have the national, county or state to run to. I say, we are accountable to the PTO and its bylaws, and to our school. Am I right?

NewYorker, I think you're right. I don't know enough about PTA to know the differences between the groups. I lead a PTO and can tell you that we have good, solid bylaws and are accountable to them. Whenever we encounter a parliamentary issue not covered in the bylaws, we refer to Robert's Rules of Order. I'd be happy to share our bylaws with you if you'd like to see a PTO example.

Anything that can't be resolved within the structure of the PTO gets defered to the principal. He either decides on his own or goes on to the superintendent or school board.

Basically, we see our group as a service branch of a larger community. We wouldn't do anything counter to the wishes of the principal, superintendent or school board. In return, they show great appreciation and support for our team.

Thank you, Crew Chief, for your reply which confirms my understanding of PTO accountability. We are currently trying to educate the school community about why we should be a PTO, and we're going to have a vote in May. I'll keep you posted. I may take up your offer and have a look at your bylaws. Thanks again.

No problem, Newyorker. Good luck!

I can be reached at crewchief5440@yahoo.com . Just let me know if you'd like to see the bylaws.

7/7/06 note: As of July 1, they are no longer 'my' bylaws so I feel it would be unethical to meet future requests for copies. -cc

[ 07-07-2006, 09:30 AM: Message edited by: CrewChief ]

Why do you wish to change? It appears that you may not have widespread support.
The PTA folks have listed just 1 of the benifits, along with the "accountability" is the training.

Always think in terms of the future, the best of by-laws will not help if no body reads or understands them.

I am sure that you may have reasons for the change, now you must convince others on the "benifits"of PTO vs the Benifits of PTA.

from my experience, seems NO ONE is responsible for PTOs,,,they are are unto themselves and NO ONE will help mediate problems...dont know if PTA is different, but its worth beign a member of an org that has ACCOUNTABILIY and a place where one can redress greivances, cuz sometimes local admin wants NOTHING to do with teh politics of mediating parent/PTO matters, all tjhey want to do is NOT make waves, NOT get involved, and shirk ALL responsiblilties, if in fact they are accountable. in short PTOs are hard to deal with when there are concerns the PTO doesnt want to handle (if the leaders are bullies for example, and dont WANT to work with parents)....so consider PTAs and see what htey have to offer in way of higher accountability and sounding board/conflict mediation.