PTO Today

Our schools are recently undergoing some changes due to growth. Currently we have our elementary schools combined in PTA's. The campuses are all being realigned as well as new campuses added. We are having to dissolve ALL the current PTA's as of this May. There has been some talk of converting to PTO.

After reading the boards I think it is a smart option, but of course I had a few questions to ask.

We are having a general meeting soon to hear from the PTA district president about dissolving our PTA's, but of course I'm sure she is thinking we are dissolving to form 4 NEW PTA's versus PTO's.

One of our campuses (CAMPUS B) has had some mishandling of funds in the past and we are still been trying to resolve these issues before dissolving. There are very few funds to spend before dissolving at this particular campus.....which brings up my first question.....

1. One of the other campuses (CAMPUS A) has done very well over the years and always has a successful fundraiser leaving them a big sum of money to spend at the end of the year. We have discussed spending a good portion of these funds on something that will benefit ALL of the four elementaries (existing, plus the new one to be added next year).
The remaining funds would be dispersed evenly to the four elementary campuses for startup costs for the PTA's or PTOs....whichever is decided to form.
Can this be done and is this wise? How should it be handled?

2. I have read previous posts that advise to spend all of your existing money and I certainly understand the reasoning behind it, but I currently serve on Campus A's PTA and we would like to see all the elementary campuses to have a good start next year and donating the funds to do this, seems the most logical thing to do.

3. When is it advised to get non-profit status for PTO?

4. Is there a PTO convention? I have attended PTA conventions before and obtained tons of great information (which was especially helpful when new). I just wondered if PTO offered something similar.

Thanks for any help and advice.

Kidd5

PTO's are independent organizations and there is no national/state group with which to affiliate. So no state or national conventions. PTO Today provides a great opportunity for many of us to network via this site and sells various services such as toolkits and resources. They also host a handful of regional 1 day events that offer some educational sessions and a big exhibit area. (Look under "events". They are really good.)

In dissolving your PTA (and not starting a new chapter) check your bylaws on procedures. It may be that any funds/assets not spent are supposed to be forfeited to the state PTA. That's why folks usually advocate spending all the funds. Donating them to a [B]PTO[/B] might be dicey, but [U]especially[/U] if the PTO is not already set up as a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. You might explore if would be possible to donate an amount to each school to be held for use with the formation of a new campus parent group.

I'm a long-time PTO person but I also have great respect for the PTA. There's a lot to be said for the infrastructure they offer - bylaws, programs, resources, training, templates, 501 status. With a PTO you are starting from the ground up and must do everything yourself in establishing it. [I]PTO Today[/I] provides some good resources and members of the Forum will also generously share advice.

There are pros and cons to both. Many people want the independence of being a PTO. But you are no longer part of a larger organization with an established framework of resources. I don't want to discourage you from forming a PTO - it can be a great type of parent group. However, I feel many underestimate the business side of what it takes to get one up and running. Just do your homework and make the decision that best suits your particular group.

Good luck!