Hi nsmith,
Take a look at your group's bylaws. There may be specifics on what the PTO pays for. In very general terms, the PTO spends money on items or services that enhance a child's education. That can be very broadly interpreted. Have to say haven't heard much about groups paying school's insurance premiums. This is worth discussing with your group members (especially if this idea is just being proposed) and then do what's comfortable for everyone.
We are a PTO for a private non-profit 501(c)(3) Christian school. Can we pay for things like the school's insurance premiums? What about other expenses like internet, PUD bills, etc?
For guidance, examine your PTO's mission statement in your by-laws and compare it to the needs your school has that aren't covered by the county budget. A PTO can pay for things from classroom equipment to educational materials/programs to teacher salaries for extracurricular programs (check the legality of this one with your district) to teacher appreciation activities to structural improvements that the school needs but can't afford.
I have recently been asked to be PTO president for a school I work at. I am not sure what all PTO should pay for. The people at my school are very opinionated and have said PTO is paying for things it should not. We recently did Teacher Appreciation week. Any suggestions as to what PTOs or PTAs usually pay for?
