PTO Today

Like you bec, learning the "legal" stuff. This looks like a good thing to me. Seems to me like it would be helpful in keeping individuals from pursuing their own person agenda when it comes to be involved int PTO. In other words, keeps the focus on what's best for the students and school as a whole. Wonder if GA has a law like this?????

Being involved in THE, not be involved int. Sorry for any errors, working at the school getting ready for the new year and I'm TIRED !!!! Ever put up a bulletin board?? Quite time consuming. Don't see how teachers have time for all this "little" stuff. hahaha

"This bill requires that any school activity funds be turned over to a properly designated school official as school property; provided" and then the underlined stopped for a bit and went on. It was the words "turned over" that got me and the fact that we spoke up about issues with the director making unlawful decisions and control comments were made. Also, I want to make sure that I understand the law completely in case they misinterpret it (and that could be accidentally).

Yeah some clarafication would be needed. How could a law be put into effect that made a Private Non Profits $$$ the schools. Its either a school event (therefore $$$ would be schools) or a PTA/PTO event held at the public school (therefore $$$ money is PTA/PTO).
They couldnt make Kiwanis, Jaycees, Humane Society hand over money for an event held on public (school) property

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Bec - you are very smart to research this and make sure YOU understand it thoroughly. Because there is a real danger of school officials and others misinterpreting the intent of this bill.

If it were me, I'd be calling the district asking where the draft of the policy stands, who is working on it, what parent group reps are involved, can I be on the committee, when will it be presented to the public for comment, etc. [B]THAT[/B] is the key opportunity right now.

Plus, draft others to do the same. But make sure they are all approaching it positively, seeking to help and be part of the solution - not with a vigilante mentality against the school officials.

A critical part of any bill is the [U]legal[/U] definitions of terms which are usually right near the top of the bill. So it's really important we look at those to understand.

This is overly simplistic - but mentally substitute the following when you read the summary:

Activity Funds ---> student activity funds (clubs)
School Support Group Funds ---> PTO funds

So for anyone skimming this thread [B]-- only "Activity Funds" are controlled by the school.[/B] It's actually more than just student clubs and would include fundraisers [U]organized[/U] by the principal or teachers, admissions from school plays, etc.

Similarly School Support Group refers to more than just PTO and would include things like Band Boosters, Althletic Boosters, and other independent groups affiliated with the school.

My principle said she would talk with me when she gets time. She said that when ever we use the kids we would have to turn over 1/2 of the money. How do you feel about that??

Actually, I'm okay with it if it's a fair, productive partnership.

I try to look at this from both sides, parent group and principal. It's just a simple fact that the school budget doesn't include everything and most principals need to raise additional funds. Regardless who owns a sales fundraiser, the profile is the same:

Something is being sold. Kids carry home information. Parents/families are the buyers. Some parents usually volunteer to help run the fundraiser.

That's the same whether the school or the PTO "own" the fundraiser. BUT, the principals control what fundraisers can happen on their campus and how the students can be used to transmit information. That gives them the upper hand.

I think it's far better to look at things as team. What needs to be raised and for what purpose? (And what's the impact on parents?) Would it be best for the school to own fundraiser A and PTO fundraiser B? Would it be better to work out a partnership? Should the PTO fundraise less and thus support less activities? Should the school fundraise more and take back funding somethings that had drifted to the PTO?

Talk it out, work it out. But be very clear. Who owns it? Do you share the risk as well as the profit? Where do the funds get deposited? What are the roles and responsibilities? What input can the parents have into how funds raised by the school are directed?

In our elementary, we were allowed two sales fundraisers per school, per year - regardless of owner. At first PTO owned both. Later, PTO owned Fall; school owned Spring. Still later, the district shifted expectations and asked the PTO to focus on volunteerism and teacher appreciation. The school owned both sales fundraisers - and asked the PTO for far less. The PTO still does T-shirts and various events.

Many scenarios can work - you just have to form the right partnership and have very clear communication. Negotiate AND document what the partnership will be.

We try to stay away from door to door sales. I don't like them. We do however sell PTO membership cards that have discounts on them. We sell them for cheap. $2 or $3 (they are worth much more). The kids are involved in this. That is pretty much it for sales. The other events are Spring Fling & Auction, Santa Shop (which is during the day), A walk where students receive pledges and gate at fall carnival.

Knowing this, what are your comments??

The problem is that as previously stated, the administration does not believe that classrooms need to be funded for supplies. In the past they were always told that if they needed something then they have to figure out how to get it. This includes ink cartridges or any student supplies. They only get $75 for consumables and $100 for in classroom supplies. We focus on classrooms and things like playground. Last year we bought a water fountain for the playground.


Last year was our first year. After supporting the classrooms, I received hugs from 3 teachers (and note, they are not the hugging type), numerous thank yous and emails telling me that we are a God send. Honestly, I felt so bad for these teachers (which is for our kids if you see their requests). As far as I know this has never happened before. One teacher said to me " In my 10 years of teaching here, I never received anything from PTO, not one thing. (and others agreed) This is the first year, and I received a COMPUTER on top of supplies!!" They were ecstatic. They have always felt that they have little support from administration. Last year, we were their only hope.

It sounds like a tough situation. But I think it still involves communication and trying to be a strategic partner with the principal.

Before you decide anything, make sure you know all the facts. Why does your principal need funds? What is their planned use? Aside from partnering with the PTO, what are his ideas for getting them?

Side note - while the PTO needs to stick to its business and mission, parents (many of whom are PTO members) need to be involved. They need to be attending the school board meetings when budget are discussed. They need to volunteer for advisory committees that develop campus plans and campus budgets. And then you as the PTO also want to draw insights from these parents to help understand all the angles.

Is the principal managing his budget badly? Or is he having to make hard choices? Or some of each?

If the PTO says "no" (if it [B]can[/B] say "no"), what happens? Will the principal implement his own fundraisers, cutting into the success of yours? Can the community support more fundraisers or is everyone just going to fed up?

If the PTO says, "yes", can you negotiate WHAT the funds are used for? Best case, if the principal gets part of the funds and guarantees they will be used for classroom slupplies, is that a "win" for everyone? What if he agrees half would be for supplies? It's more than you say he's done before and he's indirectly buying into the need for this line item. If the principal/school is getting part of the proceeds can he firmly commit to exactly what help the teachers will be expected to provide?

Personally - my expectations change (increase) when someone is my partner, directly benefitting from my work. This is true of my job, PTO, other volunteer activities, etc. If they are just helping me out, I hope for, cajole, coax assistance. If they are getting part of the money - they need to commit to part of the work.

I know it's not easy, but it still boils down to communicate, negotiate, and document - in good faith and with an eye towards achieving a good solution for both sides.

I'm now being told by our Principle (which is coming from our director) how to spend our money. We focus on needs in classrooms and also for things like water fountains etc.. The principle is getting involved with PTO (which is fine if we work together) but I'm not sure if it is good or bad. I think it gives the message that we are controlled.

They have not provided a law, have not responded to my email on being a part of the decision, nor do they have parents involved. They said they are following the current law (school fund raising) for now and that will cover it.

I do not trust them. They do not follow the law in other means. What should I think or do? We are fund raising on Sept 10.