PTO Today

We are presently a PTA and the majority of us would like to become a PTO. Our bylaws state that we need to announce this, have a presentation at a meeting and invite a state rep to present their views on why we should remain a PTA. A vote would follow this meeting. Our bylaws also say that the state could take our assets, if we leave the PTA. I have read some discussions here saying the best thing to do is start a PTO -- spend from the PTA and fundraise into the PTO. When the PTA is bankrupt, dissolve it. How do we do this, though? We need to have a vote to start a PTO and the state says they must be there, if we do. If the state is alerted to what we're doing, will this work? I feel like I'm going in circles! Please help.

Actually, newyorker, you're reading things just a touch wrong.

You don't need a state rep there to "start a PTO"; you need (or they say you need) a state rep there to "dissolve your PTA". Those are two different things. You could start a PTO at any time with no PTA involvement /notification/anything.

Technically, you're not taking a vote to turn your PTA into a PTO, even though that's what it seems like you are doing. There is no connection whatsoever between your current PTA and what may be your new PTO.

Does that help?

Tim

Thanks, Tim. I guess my concern is that to start a PTO, the membership should be in agreement (with the long-range vision of dissolving the PTA according to the rules), and there may be some who do not want to leave the PTA. We've brought up the topic of changing from a PTA to a PTO in the past, and have had a few members alert the state (on their own) of our discussions. Do we start a PTO (leaving the current PTA in place) and risk the chance the state may be alerted? Or do we start one without everyone knowing? (That doesn't seem right.) The good news is the administration wants the change and will do anything they can to help us.

I hear ya.

But -- if you think there's a strong majority likely in favor of the PTO move -- then you can start the PTO. Then, if the PTA disband doesn't happen, it's exceedingly simple to just let the PTO dissolve (simple because there are no arcane rules in place meant solely to make it difficult). If the PTA disband does happen, you're several steps ahead.

These folks can tell the PTA anything they want; you're not doing anything wrong by establishing a PTO while the PTA still exists. It's perfectly fine in every way.

Tim

Thanks for your help!

One more question, please - To start a PTO -- 501 c(3) --do we need to have bylaws in place first or do we vote on bylaws after the organization is formed?

What is a 501c 3 ? How do we go about getting this? And why do we need it? Please help we are interested in changing to a PTO but not sure of what the proper paper work procedures.

Thank you for your help.

Newyorker...to start a new pto you do not need bylaws yet to become a 501c(3) organiztion you have to have bylaws. Your best bet is to start up your pto, get you ein number and then after a few months get your bylaws done, if you plan on getting incorporated do that first (before 501) because that will save alot of money and headache later on. Then get your 501c status.
Cythiam a 501c3 is an organization that is consider a non-profit by the IRS, some groups do it, some groups choose not to. Depends on how big you are, how much money you make, you can get more companies to donate to 501 organizations, more grant opportunities. There is alot of info on the forum, I am by far means not an expert, I learned alot from this site.

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