PTO Today

Hello,
I have a problem and I don't know where to go. Our school is in a very bad financial situation. Our art teacher came to the PTO for some help in funding supplies for the children. The PTO and the art teacher came up with some fundraising solutions and the meeting ended on a good note. The next day I was told that the PTO can not purchase art supplies for the school, we could purchase a kiln or anything that will not diminish. This upset a lot of people including me. I was under the impression that PTO is here to help the children in what the school could not provide. Does this not mean art supplies?? Is there some law that PTO has that states we can not do this? I am new this year but I have been told since day one that we can spend the money we raise on what we want. Is this not the case? Any help would be very very appriciated.

Also, is it fair that the Library can ask for monetary donations but not the art teacher?
Thanks,
Chris

Let me help try to get you off on the right foot with who ever thinks you should not buy the supplies.

I'd not let it upset me just yet. I wonder who told you that you can't purchase the art supplies and ask why? This would help establish their authority.

I've never heard of any law about only being able to purchase things that would not diminish.

Was the money specifically be designated as capital funds when it was raised.
(for a purchase of certain items costing more that $1500 last I knew)

If you appear to be on the truely inquiring side, you'll probably get further along than if you appear to come across as confrontational. You will appear to be more on the inquiring side by being the person that wants to be sure you don't break any more rules. By understanding the reasoning behind the rules, you can better make sure you honor the intent as well as the law of the rules.

You can also approach them from the side of being afraid of making a mistake.

Another thought... I wonder if this would create an issue of jealousy amougst the teachers. Especially if the art teachers was going to get more than the other teachers.

Check you bylaws too if you have them.

You really need to verify the source, but let me suggest one possible explanation (though it's really a stretch). In our state, local tax money cannot be used for teacher salaries, consumable supplies or textbooks. Our state (MI) gives each school an allocation of $$ for those things. We are allowed to levy local taxes for capital improvements only (ex: technology, furniture, buildings, site improvements). Maybe, just maybe someone was applying a similar law to your situation. However, even in our state, we could make a private donation to our school that could be used to buy anything the principal wants (i.e. art class supplies).

Without details about the decision, its hard to generalize. When the PTO is approached about funding something, it should be discussed and then eventually voted on at a PTO meeting. However, if the Executive Board does not feel there is money in the budget or if they would be setting a precident that they don't want to set, then it will never be voted on.
The art room needs supplies, the gym teacher may need sports equipment, the library needs books, the computer teacher needs software, & the list can go on. Once the PTO funds one classroom, others may follow and ask for extra items. The PTO must look at the big picture and how their budget will benefit everyone in the school (teachers and students, alike)

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Doing it for my one and only ~~ my son!