Here is my dilemma: I just became PTO president of my elem school and I don't have a clue as to what I am suppose to do. There are no previous records, no budgets set and no info on what the previous presidents did. What is the role of a PTO in a school? What kinds of items does a PTO provide money for? Does a PTO just provide volunteers for school functions and occassional money gifts to teachers for their spending for nick-knacks for their classrooms. Neither the principal or the teachers have requested any funds for purchases that could benefit the kids. We are doing a fundraiser and plan to use money towards a assembly for the kids in spring, but what else do we use PTO funds for. Why are we bothering to raise money when the school hasn't requested any funds for items. The only thing that our PTO has been needed for is to provide volunteers for school functions. Also, what is the goal or motto of a PTO?????
We just can't seem to get off the ground to accomplish anything big. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.

You've definitely come to the right place. This site will provide you with a wealth of information. The first step is to find a chunk of time and just explore the forums. Go ahead and register. It only takes a few seconds and will make you more recognizable.

Note that the default at the top of each forum page is to view files for the last 45 days. You may want to increase that.

A PTO's primary objective should be to support the school and its students. How that is accomplished is up to your organization. Volunteerism and fundraising are usually the two items you tend to hear the most about. You should not fundraise just to raise money - it should be for a goal. But those are easy to find as the schools are always woefully under funded.

In my case (an elementary school) we spend routine amounts for enrichment programs, teacher appreciation, support of activities like Track and Field. But we also buy big ticket items - computers, lighting system and risers for stage, printers. Some PTOs fund playgrounds (MAJOR money!) or school signs.

I suggest you read through the Forums to get a picture of what's out there, then come back here with more questions. There are lots of us out here to help you!

Good luck. It IS worth the effort!

JHB, remind me to get you on the payroll! That's a great post. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Tim